How PhysioFunction can help if you have Foot Drop

Foot Drop is a sign of an underlying problem rather than a condition itself. It can be muscular, caused by nerve damage in the leg, or the result of a brain or spinal injury or a neurological condition such as Multiple Sclerosis, CMT, Stroke or Parkinson's.

Treatment for foot drop depends on the cause. If the cause is successfully treated, foot drop might improve or even disappear. If the cause can't be treated, foot drop can be permanent.

There are a number of foot drop treatment options available at Physiofunction including simple exercises that can be performed at home or devices such as Functional Electrical Stimulators (FES) or specialist AFOs.

We can provide:

• Braces or splints - A brace on your ankle and foot or splint that fits into or on your shoe and can help hold your foot in a normal position. PhysioFunction are able to assess for a wide range of splints including the Turbomed.

• Physiotherapy - Exercises that strengthen your leg muscles and help you maintain the range of motion in your knee and ankle might improve gait problems associated with foot drop. Stretching exercises are particularly important to prevent the stiffness in the heel.

• FES – Functional Electrical Stimulation stimulates the nerves and activates weakened muscles to provide an aid to walking which assists with recovery and independent mobility. Not only does FES reduce trips and falls, but it can also make walking faster and less effortful. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has declared FES as a safe and effective treatment for drop foot. Our specialist trained physiotherapists can assess you for FES suitability using the Bioness Go, Alfess or PACE. The use of FES may assist in day-to-day activities which otherwise may not be possible.