Footdrop isn't a disease but
a sign of an underlying problem. Footdrop is due to weakness or paralysis of
the muscles involved in lifting the front part of the foot. This can cause
one to drag the toe of the shoe on the ground and significantly impair
walking. Foot drop isn't a disease but a sign of an underlying problem.
Causes include: 1) compressed nerve root, usually in the lower spine, due
to a protruding or herniated lumbar disk, 2) pressure or injury to the
peroneal nerve in the lower leg, such as from sitting with your legs
crossed for long periods of time, 3) peripheral nerve disorder
(neuropathy), 4) motor neuron disease, such as amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS), 5) muscle disorders (myopathies), 6) tumors or strokes
affecting the areas of the brain that control movement of the legs, and 7)
disorders of the spinal cord such as tumors or multiple sclerosis.
Depending on the cause, foot drop can be temporary or permanent. Treatment
depends on the underlying cause but may include something as simple as a
brace (orthotic) worn on the ankle and foot to hold the foot in the normal
position, or may involve surgery to eliminate the pressure on a nerve root
or the peroneal nerve.
For related information go to:
Back Injuries,
Intervertebral Disk Injuries,
Nerve Injuries,
Pain
and
Radiculopathy.
At
Cheong, Denove, Rowell & Bennett, we believe the more
you know, the better choice you will make.
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