Ankle Orthosis- Effective Treatment For Foot Drop

Foot drop occurs when an individual is unable to lift the front portion of his/her foot. This gait abnormality is a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

When an individual suffers from this condition, they often compensate by using a steppage gait. A steppage gait involves lifting the affected leg higher to prevent their toes from dragging the ground and the front area of the foot from slapping the ground as they take a step. The individual may also swing the leg to their side. Foot drop, depending on the underlying medical condition, can affect one or both of the individual's feet.

You can visit our library and search out articles on Foot Drop Causes to find more on conditions that can cause foot drop. There are several medical conditions that can lead to foot drop. Typically, the reasons for foot drop fall into one of these categories:

* Injury to the Nerves - These injuries can be due to a sports injury, knee replacement surgery, habitually crossing the individual's legs, etc.

* Muscular and Neurological Disorders - Some of the disorders that can cause drop foot include polio and muscular dystrophy.

* Spinal Cord or Brain Disorders - Examples of these disorders include cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and stroke.

The most common cause for foot drop is compression of the individual's peroneal nerve. This nerve, located along the outer side of the individual's knee, controls the muscles that are used to lift the individual's foot.

Some medical conditions that cause drop foot are treatable, while others cannot be treated. Drop foot is a symptom, which means the underlying cause must be treated to see improvement.

There are several ankle/foot orthotics, abbreviated AFO, that can ease the symptom of foot drop and one of the most prominent is the drop foot brace. Those suffering from foot drop can find affordable and appropriate foot drop braces at BraceAbility.

Using a foot drop brace can help correct an abnormal gait. The brace that is commonly used for drop foot surrounds the ankle and foot to ensure the foot is held in the normal foot position. The brace prevents the foot from slapping the ground and the toes from dragging the floor as the individual walks.

The foot drop boot is similar to the brace in that it supports the ankle and the foot. It minimizes the risk of tripping and walking difficulties due to the reduced sensation or paralysis of the front portion of the individual's foot.

Another option offered is the foot drop shoe. This shoe eases the heel pain that often occurs due to the uneven distribution of pressure in the foot. The shoe features a heel cut out to prevent the heel from coming in contact with the ground to help relieve pressure and pain.

If you prefer a less bulky support product, a splint that is placed inside your shoes may be a great option. Splints function similarly to braces and ensure the foot is held in the natural position.

The Corflex Ultra Dorsal Splint can be worn at night to ensure you are comfortable while you are sleeping. This splint features CoolTex straps and memory foam to help eliminate pressure points and keep the foot in a neutral position.

Heel cushion inserts can be placed in your shoes to absorb shock and pressure and prevent stiffness and soreness in the heel. ViscoSpot's Heel Cushion use a silicone design and has been shown to be 95 percent effective in relieving heel pain.

In addition to using AFO products for drop foot, studies have shown that physical therapy can improve drop foot. Physical therapy helps to strengthen the individual's leg muscles and increase the ankle's and knee's range of motion. In addition to physical therapy, nerve stimulation or surgery can help to improve foot drop.