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What Is Foot Drop in Multiple Sclerosis and How Supportive Footwear Can Help

Posted by:

Johannes Sauer

Updated at: January 26, 2026

Table of Contents

  1. What Is Foot Drop in Multiple Sclerosis and How Supportive Footwear Can Help

  2. Why Foot Drop Happens in MS

  3. How Supportive Footwear Helps With Foot Drop

  4. Tips for Managing Foot Drop in MS

  5. How Physical Therapy Complements Footwear

  6. Find Comfort With Cadense Today

What Is Foot Drop in Multiple Sclerosis and How Supportive Footwear Can Help

Foot drop is a condition that makes it difficult to lift the front of the foot while walking. In people with multiple sclerosis (MS), it often occurs due to nerve damage affecting the muscles responsible for ankle and toe movement.

This can lead to:

  • Trips, slips, and falls may occur because the foot may drag on the ground
  • Uneven gait, requiring extra effort to lift the leg
  • Fatigue from compensating with other muscles

Understanding foot drop in MS helps you take steps to maintain safe and comfortable mobility.

Why Foot Drop Happens in MS

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, disrupting the communication between the brain and muscles. When nerves controlling ankle and toe movement are damaged:

  • Signals to lift the foot are weakened
  • Muscles may not respond as quickly or fully
  • Walking becomes less efficient, increasing the risk of accidents

Recognizing foot drop early allows for interventions that support daily mobility and independence.

What Is Foot Drop in Multiple Sclerosis and How Supportive Footwear Can Help - Cadense Adaptive Shoes for Mobility Challenges like Multiple Sclerosis & Foot Drop

Jan 26, 2026

How Supportive Footwear Helps With Foot Drop

While supportive footwear can’t repair nerve damage, it plays a crucial role in making walking safer and more comfortable for people with MS. The right shoes can:

  • Provide a stable fit that helps prevent trips, slips, and falls
  • Accommodate braces or orthoses if needed
  • Encourage natural movement with lightweight, flexible soles
  • Offer wide toe boxes to reduce pressure on toes and forefoot

Cadense adaptive shoes are designed with these features in mind, supporting safer and more comfortable walking.

Tips for Managing Foot Drop in MS

Combining supportive footwear with other strategies can make a big difference:

  • Use an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) if recommended by a physical therapist
  • Incorporate exercises to strengthen ankle and leg muscles
  • Plan safe walking environments at home and outdoors
  • Monitor symptoms and seek professional guidance if walking becomes more challenging

These approaches work together to maintain independence and confidence in daily movement.

How Physical Therapy Complements Footwear

Physical therapy can help improve mobility and reduce the impact of foot drop by:

  • Strengthening muscles that lift the foot
  • Teaching gait techniques to compensate safely
  • Recommending adaptive shoes or braces to support stability

Together, therapy and supportive footwear provide a strong foundation for safer walking with MS.

Find Comfort With Cadense Today

Foot drop in multiple sclerosis can make walking more challenging, but early recognition, proper footwear, and professional guidance can help maintain comfort, safety, and independence.

Explore Cadense adaptive shoes to support daily mobility and confidence at cadense.com.

Cadense Adaptive Shoes for Foot Drop

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FAQ

What are common symptoms of foot drop in those with multiple sclerosis?

Symptoms of foot drop in MS include a change in gait (where the individual may raise their leg higher than usual as if climbing stairs), increased fatigue, heavy or unsteady legs, muscle tightness, and spasticity, which impact balance and walking ability.

What are some of the early foot symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis?

Early signs of MS in the feet include numbness and tingling. These symptoms show nerve damage and are early signs of MS's effects on the body.

How is foot drop diagnosed?

Foot drop is diagnosed using a variety of exams. These may include a physical exam, imaging tests, and/or electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies. Note that along with diagnosing the foot drop, its underlying cause must be assessed, which may sometimes involve additional tests.

Posted by: Johannes Sauer

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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Medical Disclaimer: This website is not intended for the purpose of providing medical advice. This website’s information, content, and material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Cadense Inc. may not be held liable for any damages whether incidental, ordinary or consequential. Cadense does not make any guarantee of any particular end result. Cadense makes no claims or guarantees of payment/reimbursement by any insurance companies. Cadense adaptive shoes are intended to provide greater mobility to those with walking difficulties.

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