Foot drop is a condition that is caused by one of several different disorders. People who suffer from this condition have gait abnormalities because the forefront of their foot drops while they are walking. The condition may be temporary or permanent. Whether it affects one or both of your feet, drop foot often causes the front part of the foot to drag when walking. Treatment for foot drop varies depending on the cause of the condition. In addition to available medical treatments, there are several foot drop exercises that can help to strengthen the affected foot.
Treatment for foot drop
To diagnose the condition that is causing the foot drop, doctors may use diagnostic imaging tests. After a proper diagnosis and prescribed course of treatment, the following steps may be recommended:- A splint or brace to help give a more normal gait
- Ankle-foot orthosis
- Surgery on the peroneal nerve
- Vitamin B6 therapy or nerve medications
- Physical therapy
It’s important to openly communicate with your doctor about the course of treatment that may be best for you, and be certain to follow all of the recommendations that you are given.
Exercises for foot drop
Before starting exercises for foot drop, be sure to obtain permission from your doctor. These exercises will help to strengthen the foot muscles that are involved in lifting the front portion of the foot.1. Cycling
The movements that your foot makes when riding a bicycle involve the muscles used to lift the front part of your foot. There are various options to strengthen these muscles:
- lie on your back and make cycling movements in the air,
- ride a stationary bike or
- ride a real bicycle.
All of these exercises can help to strengthen the muscles that control basic functions of the foot’s movement.
2. Calf Raises
This exercise helps to strengthen both the muscles in the feet as well as the calf muscles. To perform this exercise, stand up straight on a flat, supportive surface. Raise your body up on your toes and lower it back down again. Repeat this exercise for one set of 20 calf raises to start; then build up to completing two sets.
3. Foot Stretches
Foot stretches help to strengthen the muscles that surround the front of your foot. To do this exercise, sit on the floor or on a yoga mat with your leg stretched out in front of you. With a long towel, loop it around your affected foot and pull the top part toward you while keeping your leg straight. Hold for five seconds and then relax your foot. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
4. Toe Flexes
To perform toe flexes, sit on the floor with your legs stretched straight out in front of you. Place your hands on the floor on either side to provide you with some support, and raise one leg. While your foot is slightly off the ground, bend it towards your body. Hold this position for five seconds before relaxing. Repeat this exercise 10 times per leg.
5. Toe Curls
Sit in a chair that has arms on it and brace yourself by holding onto the arms. With your knees straight, raise your legs straight out in front of you until they are parallel to the floor. Point your toes toward your body and hold the position for five seconds. Repeat the toe curls 10 times per set, completing two sets of the exercise.
6. Toe Grabs
Place a small ball or towel in front of your chair, and sit in the chair. While you are seated, take your barefoot and try to grab the ball or towel with your toes. Try to lift the object as high as your knees if you are able to do so. Do two sets of 10 repetitions each of this exercise.
Foot drop can be caused by a number of different conditions and may affect your ability to walk properly. If you think you might have foot drop, make an appointment to see your doctor to obtain a proper diagnosis and treatment. Ask your doctor if it is okay for you to perform these simple exercises at home. If you are given permission by your doctor, these exercises will help to strengthen your muscles so you might be able to walk more normally.
Do you have foot drop? Are there any foot drop treatment exercises that have helped you? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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