Foot Drop Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Foot Drop Overview Foot drop is the inability to lift the front part of the foot. It is characterized by weakness or paralysis of muscles of foot that help to lift the foot off the ground. It results in dragging of the foot while walking. Causes Muscle or nerve damageNeurological disorders (stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy as a part of diabetic neuropathy, multiple motor neuropathy, CMTD, HNPP)Trauma to the leg or footNerve compression as a result of positioning/ surgery Risk factors Nerve injuries from sports injuries, a slipped disc, or wearing a cast that puts pressure on the nerveSitting with legs crossed, kneeling, or squatting for long periods of timeUnmanaged type 2 diabetesOther medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or strokeHip or knee replacement surgery can sometimes compress nervesImmobility Symptoms Difficulty lifting the front of the footDragging or slapping of foot while walkingMay be associated with tingling or numbness of footMay be associated with pain in foot Specialist to approach Neurologist Diagnosis Severity and intensity of nerve injury assessed by nerve conduction studiesMRI neurography to determine the level area of nerve injury/ compressionMRI spine to rule out radiculopathy/ root compression Treatment PhysiotherapyOrthotic or braces to support foot and ankleAssistive devices to aid walkingSurgery to repair/ decompress damaged nerves/ musclesElectrical stimulation therapy