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Acupuncture for Foot Drop - Does it Work?

Posted by:

Johannes Sauer

Reviewed by:

Dr. Jennie Stanford

Updated at: March 15, 2025

Table of Contents

  1. Alternative Treatments for Foot Drop

  2. How Does Acupuncture Work?

    1. Acupuncture Points and Techniques Used to Alleviate Foot Drop

  3. Other Methods of Easing Foot Drop

  4. Is Acupuncture the Right Treatment for Foot Drop?

  5. Importance of Exploring Adaptive Options

Foot drop is a condition that causes a person not to be able to fully lift the front part of their foot while they walk. It results in a gait where the foot drags along the ground, or the person has to raise their foot unnaturally high to get it off the ground.

Foot drop can affect either or both feet, and it can make it hard to walk safely. Does acupuncture for foot drop have any promise as an alternative therapy? Let’s discuss the evidence and techniques.

Alternative Treatments for Foot Drop

Foot drop can be caused by a wide range of conditions or situations, including neuropathy, diabetes, MS, stroke, cerebral palsy, prolonged bed rest, and more. Your doctor can conduct tests to diagnose both foot drop and any underlying conditions.

It is vital to treat the underlying cause of foot drop in order to see long term improvement. Plus, underlying conditions need medical treatment to support overall health. But some alternative treatments may have help improve foot drop as well, one of which is acupuncture.

At this time, research into acupuncture for foot drop is limited. But there is some limited evidence from research studies suggesting that it can be an effective treatment.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is a practice originating from traditional Chinese medicine. It involves inserting extremely thin needles into specific points of the body. Traditional practitioners believe that doing so modifies the flow of vital energy called “qi.”

Many studies show that acupuncture has efficacy. Modern physicians and researchers believe acupuncture may work by stimulating the central nervous system and producing beneficial biochemical changes.


Acupuncture Points and Techniques Used to Alleviate Foot Drop

This study looked at acupuncture points that are commonly used to treat foot drop. Across 8 studies, 37 different acupuncture points were used. The most commonly used were the gallbladder meridian points GB 34 and GB 39, as well as stomach (ST) 36.

Keep in mind that this was specifically for treating foot drop from stroke. Different points might be utilized with different causes and underlying conditions. Techniques may also vary from one practitioner to another.

Other Methods of Easing Foot Drop

Along with acupuncture, other treatments that can help ease foot drop include wearing a brace, walking in therapeutic footwear, physical therapy, and nerve stimulation. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is a good fit for your specific condition.

Mar 15, 2025

Is Acupuncture the Right Treatment for Foot Drop?

Most people can safely try acupuncture for foot drop. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant, have breast implants or a pacemaker, have a chronic skin condition, have a heightened risk of infection, are allergic to metals, or have a bleeding disorder. Your doctor can help you assess whether acupuncture treatment is safe for you.

People who are afraid of needles may also not want to do acupuncture. But keep in mind, the needles cause very mild pain or no pain.

And remember, you should make sure you are also medically treating any underlying conditions.

Importance of Exploring Adaptive Options

Patients with foot drop are commonly advised to walk as part of their physical therapy. Walking safely and comfortably with foot drop is easier with therapeutic footwear. Cadense shoes for foot drop can help people with foot drop to cross uneven surfaces smoothly and maintain a more natural gait, thanks to their patented variable friction technology. 

Cadense footwear is also suitable for a range of other foot conditions that affect walking, such as a Morton’s neuroma, multiple sclerosis, and others. Older adults can benefit from wearing these lightweight, supportive shoes too.

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FAQ

Are there any side effects of acupuncture for foot drop?

Some people may experience some mild pain, bleeding or bruising from acupuncture. These side effects, when they occur, are mild, and do not last long. Many people experience no side effects at all.

Can acupuncture replace conventional treatments for foot drop?

No, it cannot. You still need to do the conventional treatments that your doctor assigns, such as treating your underlying condition and doing physical therapy. But acupuncture may help you to reduce and manage your symptoms alongside these traditional treatments.

Is there a most effective treatment for foot drop?

The most effective treatment for healing foot drop depends on the patient’s individual condition. Treatment plans may include braces, physical therapy and walking, nerve stimulation, or others.

Posted by: Johannes Sauer

Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. He was immediately drawn to the mission of the company because his cousin lost his lower leg in a tragic motorcycle accident a few years ago and is experiencing walking difficulties ever since. Johannes brings over a decade of experience in working for consumer product companies to Cadense. He holds an MBA from the University of Graz in Austria. Johannes lives with his family in Santa Barbara, CA.

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Reviewed by: Dr. Jennie Stanford

Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, is an obesity medicine physician and metabolic health expert, as well as a medical writer and educator. Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, is an obesity medicine physician and metabolic health expert, as well as a medical writer and educator. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Stanford is board-certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Family Medicine. She is passionately involved in medical education, dedicating her time to mentoring and advancing the field.

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