Drop foot

Drop foot (or foot drop) means difficulty lifting the front of your foot when you walk. It isn't a disease in itself. It is a sign that the nerves or muscles that lift the foot aren't working properly.

Common causes

• Stroke
• Multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions
• Nerve injury, for example to the peroneal nerve at the outside of the knee, or a back problem pressing on a nerve root
• Cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular conditions
• Injury or surgery to the leg

Common signs

• Catching or dragging your toes, tripping or falling
• Your foot "slapping" down with each step
• Lifting your knee higher than usual to clear the ground

How orthotics can help

An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) holds the foot up as you swing your leg forward. That makes walking safer and less tiring, and reduces the risk of falls. Depending on your needs, we fit:

• lightweight custom AFOs that fit inside your shoe
• hinged AFOs that allow some ankle movement
• carbon-fibre AFOs for active users who walk longer distances
• [Functional electrical stimulation (FES) options, via referral: confirm]

We use [observational and instrumented] gait analysis to fine-tune the fit, and we work alongside your physiotherapist and neurologist.

When to see a doctor

Sudden weakness in a leg or foot, especially with facial drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech, can be a stroke. Call emergency services immediately.

Any new drop foot should be assessed by a doctor first, to find and treat the cause.