Treatment for foot drop isn’t easy to package into one neat box. A number of underlying problems can be responsible for a decrease in mobility and sensation in the foot, and a full treatment plan will often be somewhat dictated by which cause is discovered. This is not a condition that should be handled on your own, however, and our expert guidance can find the best treatments and management options for your specific case.
When it comes to directly treating the symptoms of drop foot itself, custom-made orthotics can often prove helpful. Splints, foot and ankle braces, and other devices can help properly align the foot and aid in walking. The right orthotic can help improve the high-stepping gait some patients develop to clear the front of the foot above the ground, and some options can be worn within the shoe.
Another conservative treatment that often provides marked improvement is physical therapy. A professionally guided regimen can target and strengthen specific muscles in the leg and foot, improving one’s flexibility and motion. This, in turn, can lead to an overall better and safer gait.
Going a little deeper into treatment, nerve stimulation therapy can provide electrical assistance to the nerve that controls the lifting of the foot. The stimulus is provided externally.
Surgery, if more conservative measures don’t provide enough improvement, might also be turned to as an option. Releasing the tissue surrounding a stressed nerve can sometimes restore lost sensation and strength to the foot and ankle. This procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis.
Whatever the cause of drop foot, you can rely on the expertise of Bloomington podiatrist Dr. Kevin Powers to seek the root of the problem and tailor a treatment to your needs. Schedule an appointment with our office by calling (812) 333-4422 to take the first step toward a more confident stride today.
