Foot drop is a condition that causes difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot, resulting in dragging or tripping while walking. It can be caused by various underlying issues, such as muscle or nerve disorders, brain and spinal cord injuries, neurological conditions, nerve and nerve root injuries.
Depending on the cause of your foot drop exercises may be beneficial in managing it by strengthening your leg muscles and helping you maintain the range of motion in your knee and ankle which might improve gait problems associated with foot drop. By engaging in regular exercise, strengthening the muscles, you can help improve the ability to lift your foot while walking. In particular, exercises that focus on balance can improve stability while walking, therefore reducing the risk of falling.
Here are a few foot drop exercises:
Assisted Toe Lifts: For this exercise you will need to use either a belt, dressing gown cord or exercise band to help promote the toe lift. In a seated position, wrap the band around the front of your foot. While holding the rope or strap with the hand, you want to gently lift the toes off the floor and pull up with your arm to assist with the movement. Complete this for one minute.
Elevated Foot Tap: Try and lift your toe actively as high as you can with your heel on the step or large book. Your toes need to be hanging over the edge of the step or book. Try and lift your toes as high as you can and back down with as much control as possible. Complete this for one minute.
Resistance Band Toe Tap: While seated, tread on the resistance band and place the other end of the band around your affected foot. Pull your foot towards your body and then slowly release. Repeat 10-15 times.
National Foot Drop Awareness Day
It's National Foot Drop Awareness Day on the 22nd of September. We are calling on people to raise awareness and share their foot drop related stories!
PhysioFunction and Blatchford will be holding an event which will be taking place at PhysioFunction clinic in Spratton, Northamptonshire NN6 8LD. We are encouraging people with confirmed foot drop to book in for a free assessment, with a chance to win a Turbomed Brace for FREE!
In the assessment, you will have the opportunity to try on a Bioness, Walkaide II or Turbomed device. There are limited spaces available so make sure you secure a slot today to avoid disappointment. Times slots can be booked in between 9am – 3pm. Contact 0800 043 0327 or rehab@physiofunction.co.uk for more details.
