Skip to content
  1. Order by 12/15 for guaranteed Holiday delivery.Shop Now
Find A Cadense Coach Location

 (800)985 4346

 support@cadense.com

Country

What Nerve Causes Foot Drop and How Physical Therapy Can Help

Posted by:

Johannes Sauer

Updated at: January 21, 2026

Table of Contents

  1. What Nerve Causes Foot Drop and How Physical Therapy Can Help

  2. How Does Nerve Damage Affect Daily Walking?

  3. What Causes Peroneal Nerve Damage?

  4. How Can Physical Therapy Help With Foot Drop?

  5. How Do Footwear and Bracing Support Nerve Recovery?

  6. Tips for Supporting Nerve Health and Mobility

  7. Get Cadense Adaptive Shoes Now

What Nerve Causes Foot Drop and How Physical Therapy Can Help

Foot drop happens when lifting the front of the foot becomes difficult, often leading to trips, slips, and falls. The main nerve involved is the peroneal nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve.

This nerve controls the muscles that lift your ankle and toes. Damage or compression of the peroneal nerve can weaken these muscles, making it hard to clear the ground while walking.

How Does Nerve Damage Affect Daily Walking?

When the peroneal nerve is compromised, several changes can appear in your gait:

  • Foot drag: The front of the foot may scuff the floor with each step.
  • Higher knee lift: You might need to lift your knee more to avoid tripping.
  • Unstable steps: Weakness in ankle control can lead to imbalance.
  • Fatigue: Muscles work harder to compensate, making walking tiring.

Recognizing these changes early can help prevent accidents and support safer mobility.

What Nerve Causes Foot Drop and How Physical Therapy Can Help - Cadense Adaptive Shoes for Foot Drop

Jan 21, 2026

What Causes Peroneal Nerve Damage?

Foot drop can result from different types of nerve injury, including:

  • Compression from crossing legs for long periods
  • Knee injuries or fractures affecting the nerve
  • Surgery or prolonged pressure on the leg
  • Neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or peripheral neuropathy

Understanding the cause is important for selecting the right treatment and support strategies.

How Can Physical Therapy Help With Foot Drop?

Physical therapy is often key to improving mobility and safety. A therapist can:

  • Assess muscle strength and ankle control
  • Provide targeted exercises to lift and stabilize the foot
  • Teach gait training techniques to reduce tripping
  • Recommend assistive devices like ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) if needed

Therapy works alongside other strategies to maintain independence and improve confidence while walking.

How Do Footwear and Bracing Support Nerve Recovery?

While shoes and braces don’t repair nerve damage, they can improve walking safety and comfort. Cadense adaptive shoes are designed to:

  • Fit securely with AFOs or braces
  • Provide a wide toe box for balance and stability
  • Encourage natural movement with lightweight, flexible soles
  • Offer easy on/off design to reduce fatigue

Using supportive footwear alongside physical therapy helps minimize the risk of trips, slips, and falls during daily activities.

Tips for Supporting Nerve Health and Mobility

  • Follow prescribed exercises to strengthen ankle and leg muscles
  • Avoid prolonged pressure on the peroneal nerve (e.g., leg crossing, kneeling)
  • Monitor for changes in sensation or weakness and seek help promptly
  • Pair braces with adaptive shoes for comfort and safe walking

Early intervention and consistent care can improve walking confidence and overall mobility.

Get Cadense Adaptive Shoes Now

The peroneal nerve plays a central role in foot drop, and damage can significantly affect daily walking. Physical therapy, combined with supportive footwear like Cadense adaptive shoes, helps maintain safer, more comfortable movement.

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

Discover Cadense Adaptive Shoes

[color: all black] Original Men's Adaptive Shoe

Men's All Black Adaptive Shoe

$279.99

★★★★★
[color: all black] Original Men's Adaptive Shoe

Men's All Black Adaptive Shoe
Regular price $279.99
View details

Color:

Only 9 in stock

[color: black] Original Men's Adaptive Shoe

Original Men's Adaptive Shoe

from $279.44

★★★★★
[color: black] Original Men's Adaptive Shoe

Original Men's Adaptive Shoe
Regular price $279.99
View details

Color:

11 in stock

[color: white] Original Women's Adaptive Shoe

Original Women's Adaptive Shoe

from $279.44

★★★★★
[color: white] Original Women's Adaptive Shoe

Original Women's Adaptive Shoe
Regular price $279.99
View details

Color:

16 in stock

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.

Read more

Blog posts

What Nerve Causes Foot Drop and How Physical Therapy Can Help - Cadense Adaptive Shoes for Foot Drop

Jan 21, 2026

What Nerve Causes Foot Drop and How Physical Therapy Can Help

Read more
how should an AFO fit? Cadense adpative shoes with AFO Compatibiility

Jan 19, 2026

How Should an AFO Fit for Walking Comfort and Daily Use

Read more
Can You Drive With a Drop Foot and Stay Safe on the Road? - Cadense shoes for foot drop, driving with foot drop

Jan 16, 2026

Can You Drive With a Drop Foot and Stay Safe on the Road?

Read more
Older Post
Newer Post

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

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.

Shopping Cart