What it is
It can affect one or both feet and may be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause.
Treatment depends on the cause and may include exercises, an ankle-foot splint, nerve stimulation or surgery.
Common signs
- Toes dragging on the ground
- Lifting the knee higher than usual when walking
- Foot slapping down with each step
- Tripping or falling
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination of the legs and walking
- Nerve conduction studies and EMG
- MRI or other scans
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Nerve test (EMG) reports
- MRI reports
- Neurology or physiotherapy letters
- Splint or orthotic prescriptions
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is causing my foot drop?
- Will it get better?
- Would a splint help me walk more safely?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Foot drop that starts suddenly with weakness in the face or arm, or slurred speech: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.