- Drop foot is not a disease. It is caused by an underlying neurological condition, a muscular disorder or an anatomical problem. It does not effect a person's life expectancy.
- Drop foot can be caused by muscle or never damage from an injury or surgery. It can also be an inherited condition or caused by diseases of the nervous system including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), diabetes, multiple sclerosis or stroke. Crossing the legs can cause foot drop and is easily resolved when the habit is stopped.
- Foot drop most often affects only one foot. Dragging the foot, slapping the foot with each step, and raising the thigh when walking are symptoms.
- If foot drop is caused by a certain condition or disease, treating the condition and disease is the first course of treatment. If the condition cannot be successfully treated, the foot drop can be permanent. When foot drop is permanent, surgery that fuses the ankle or the foot bones, or that transfers tendons to stronger leg muscles is helpful in making walking easier.
- Foot drop caused by nerve or muscle damage can respond with the use of braces, splints, physical therapy, and/or nerve stimulation. Patients can respond quickly or may need a long recovery time.
- When foot drop is caused by trauma, partial and even full recovery is possible. Recovery time depends on the extent of the injury or damage.