Best Shoes for Foot Drop

Solutions for Sufferers of Foot Drop

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Obianuju Helen Okoye, MD

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What is Foot Drop?

Foot drop is a neuromuscular disorder that affects an individual's ability to lift the front part of the foot. It's typically a symptom of an underlying problem, rather than a disease itself.

The condition is characterized by difficulty or inability to raise the toes or point the foot upward. This can lead to a distinctive way of walking where individuals lift their knee higher than usual, often described as "steppage gait," to prevent the foot from dragging on the ground.

Roughly 75% of Americans will deal with foot problems at some stage in their lives, and many are unfamiliar with the concept of foot drop.

So what are the most prevalent symptoms to look out for?

Symptoms of foot drop

Common symptoms include a feeling of weakness in the foot or leg, numbness in the skin covering the top of the foot and toes, and a potential change in the way the individual walks. In some cases, individuals may experience a slapping sound when the foot hits the ground due to the inability to control the foot’s descent.

Tingling

Many individuals with foot drop experience a sensation of numbness or tingling in the skin over the top of the foot and toes.

This sensory change can lead to discomfort and a reduced ability to sense the position of the foot, which is crucial for maintaining balance and avoiding injuries.

Foot slapping

The inability to control the foot's descent often leads to a characteristic slapping sound when the foot hits the ground.

The foot may drag along the ground during the walking cycle, making it difficult to move smoothly and increasing the risk of tripping over uneven surfaces.

Unilateral or bilateral impact

Foot drop can affect one foot (unilateral) or both feet (bilateral). When unilateral, it's often easier to compensate with the stronger foot, but it can lead to imbalances and overuse injuries.

Bilateral foot drop poses a greater challenge, significantly impacting mobility and requiring more comprehensive management strategies.

Tingling

Many individuals with foot drop experience a sensation of numbness or tingling in the skin over the top of the foot and toes.

This sensory change can lead to discomfort and a reduced ability to sense the position of the foot, which is crucial for maintaining balance and avoiding injuries.

Causes of foot drop

Foot drop can result from a variety of causes, often related to underlying neurological, muscular, or anatomical issues. Understanding these causes is crucial for effective treatment and management.

Nerve Injury

One of the most common causes of foot drop is injury or compression of the peroneal nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve that wraps from the back of the knee to the front of the shin. This nerve can be damaged due to knee injuries, fractures, or surgeries.

Prolonged Leg Crossing or Squatting

Habitual leg crossing or prolonged squatting can compress the peroneal nerve, leading to temporary or permanent foot drop.

It's important to note that foot drop is often a symptom of a broader condition or injury and that addressing the underlying cause is key to treating foot drop effectively. Medical evaluation and diagnostic tests are essential to determine the specific cause in each individual case.

Neurological Conditions

Various neurological conditions can lead to foot drop. This includes stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. These conditions affect the nerves that control the muscles necessary for lifting the foot.

Muscle or Nerve Disorders

Diseases that affect the muscles or nerves, such as muscular dystrophy or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), can result in foot drop.

Spinal Cord and Brain Disorders

Issues with the spinal cord or brain, such as a spinal cord injury or a tumor, can interrupt the signals sent to the muscles of the foot, leading to foot drop.

Treatments for foot drop

There are different ways to treat foot drop, all with the goal of getting you moving more easily and sorting out whatever's causing it in the first place.

Braces or Orthotics

Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are commonly used to support the foot and ankle. These braces help maintain the foot in a normal position, making walking easier and safer.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists can teach exercises to strengthen the foot and leg muscles. Stretching exercises are particularly important to prevent stiffness in the heel. Physical therapy also includes gait training and activities to improve motor control and balance.

Nerve Stimulation

Sometimes, electrical nerve stimulation can be beneficial. Techniques like functional electrical stimulation (FES) use electrical currents to stimulate the affected muscles, improving gait and muscle tone.

Footwear Modifications

Using shoes with the right support and cushioning can help in managing foot drop. Sometimes, custom-made shoes are recommended.

Lifestyle Modifications

Making changes to one’s lifestyle and environment, like removing tripping hazards at home and using assistive devices for walking, can also be beneficial.

Regular Exercise and Stretching

Engaging in regular activity and stretching can help maintain muscle strength and flexibility, reducing the severity of symptoms.

Consulting a podiatrist

Consulting a podiatrist for foot drop can be a crucial step in managing this condition effectively. A podiatrist will perform a physical examination and prescribe the necessary steps for recovery.

Exercises for foot drop

Dealing with foot drop doesn't just stop at braces or therapy - there are some exercises you can do at home to help strengthen your muscles and improve flexibility.

Ankle Dorsiflexion

Sit in a chair and stretch your legs out in front of you. Now, try to pull your toes up towards you while keeping your knee straight. You should feel the stretch in the back of your leg. This helps strengthen the muscles that lift the foot.

Toe Taps

While sitting or standing, simply tap your toes on the ground like you're tapping along to a song. It's a simple exercise, but it can really help with foot movement.

Heel Walks

For this one, you'll need to stand up. Lift your toes off the ground and walk around on your heels. This strengthens the muscles around your ankles and helps with balance.

Towel Stretch

Sit on the floor with your legs stretched out. Place a towel around the bottom of your foot and gently pull towards you, keeping your knee straight. This is great for keeping your calf muscles flexible.

Marble Pickup

A bit of a fun one – place a bunch of marbles on the floor, and use your toes to pick them up and place them in a cup. This helps with toe flexibility and strength.

Calf Raises

Stand up straight and rise onto your tiptoes, then lower back down. This strengthens the calf muscles, which are important for stabilizing your ankle.

Prevention for foot drop

Preventing foot drop mainly involves addressing the factors that can lead to its development. While not all cases can be prevented, especially those due to genetic or uncontrollable factors, here are some strategies that can help reduce the risk:

Avoid Nerve Damage

Be mindful of activities that could harm your nerves. This includes avoiding crossing your legs frequently, which can compress the peroneal nerve, and being cautious with activities that put pressure on the knee or lower leg.

Regular Exercise

Engaging in regular physical activity helps maintain overall muscle strength and nerve health. Exercises that focus on leg strength and flexibility can be particularly beneficial.

Wear Proper Footwear

Wearing shoes that offer good support and avoiding high heels can reduce the risk of foot injuries that might lead to foot drop.

Avoid Nerve Damage

Be mindful of activities that could harm your nerves. This includes avoiding crossing your legs frequently, which can compress the peroneal nerve, and being cautious with activities that put pressure on the knee or lower leg.

Features of foot drop footwear

Footwear designed for individuals with foot drop has specific features to help improve mobility, comfort, and safety. These features are tailored to address the unique challenges posed by the condition. Here's what to look for in foot drop footwear:

Ankle Support

Shoes should provide robust ankle support to stabilize the foot and prevent excessive movement, reducing the risk of sprains or falls.

Stiff Soles

A stiffer sole can help in compensating for the weakened dorsiflexion of the foot. It prevents the shoe from bending too much, making it easier to walk without tripping.

Low Heels

A lower heel height is ideal, as it places less strain on the leg muscles and makes it easier to walk. High heels or uneven soles can exacerbate the difficulties in walking.

Image showing the width of a shoes toe box

Wide Toe Box

A wider toe box provides more room and comfort for the toes, reducing pressure points and accommodating any swelling.

Lightweight Design

Lightweight shoes reduce the effort required to lift the foot, making walking less fatiguing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Foot Drop Lead to Other Health Issues?

Yes, if not managed properly, foot drop can lead to trips and falls, muscle fatigue, and joint pain due to the abnormal walking pattern it creates.

How Can I Improve Walking with Foot Drop?

Using supportive footwear, engaging in physical therapy, and possibly using orthotic devices can significantly improve walking.

Can Exercises Help with Foot Drop?

Yes, specific exercises to strengthen the leg muscles and improve range of motion can be beneficial.

Do I Need Special Shoes for Foot Drop?

Footwear with certain features like stiff soles, ankle support, and room for orthotics can be very helpful.

Should I See a Doctor for Foot Drop?

Yes, it's important to see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, especially to identify any underlying conditions that may be causing foot drop.

Do These Support Shoes Work for Foot Injuries?

Yes, adaptive or supportive shoes can be beneficial for individuals with foot injuries. Support shoes are designed to help guide an injured foot back to full health. They provide a crucial part of the healing process.

Are These The Same as Orthopedic Shoes?

Adaptive shoes and orthopedic shoes share similarities in their design and purpose, but they are not exactly the same. Orthopedic shoes are usually medically prescribed, addressing specific medical conditions like foot deformities, arthritis, and diabetes-related problems.