Definition:
Sometimes called drop foot, foot drop is a general term used to describe the difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot and cases of dragging the front of the foot on the ground when walking. Foot drop is a sign of an underlying cause such as neurological, muscular, or anatomical problem and is not a disease.
Diagnosis:
Foot dorp is often diagnosed when undergoing physical exam but some cases would require additional tests such as magnetic resonance ikaging (MRI), electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies.
Treatment:
Among the specific treatments for foot drop include braces or splints, physical therapy, nerve stimulation, and surgery.
Symptoms and Signs:
Most of the time, the only symptom of foot drop is difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot. It is sometimes accompanied by pain, weakness, or numbness of the foot. It also typically affects only one foot but depending on the underlying cause, it is also possible that both feet will be affected.
Causes:
The condition is caused by paralysis or weakness of the muscles below the knee involved in lifting the front part of the foot. The underlying causes meanwhile can be varied. Specific causes include muscle or nerve damage, muscle or nerve disorders, central nervous system disorders, and drug reaction.
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