Foot drop is a serious medical condition, how to fix it?
This is a kind of serious medical condition. Which is related to inability to raise the front part of the foot. It is not disease, it is a sign of underlying neurological, muscular or anatomical problems.
A person who has foot drop will have problems with walking. His foot will drag on the floor as he walks . Depending on the underlying reasons which causes this condition. The treatment sometimes can bring good results, the person can fully recover. But in some cases it remains as permanent. To be functionable. Wearing a brace in the ankle and foot to keep it in normal condition is a must be condition
In severe cases, doctors will direct an operation to save the function of the foot.
Symptoms
Foot drop make walking difficult, the person has to drag the foot on the ground. He has to try to lift up the his foot for the next walking step. It causes imbalance in gait when walking
Foot drop is usually diagnosed through physical exams by a doctor. Due to this serious condition many tests need to be done. Doctor will first check the movement ability, by asking the person to walk. And to see the ability of responding as well as the weakness and numbness of foot .
Diagnosis
X-rays usually are methods which doctor can see the image of bones, tumor, abnormal blood veins. As these causes can not see by normal eyes
Ultra sound: The sound wave technology can discover images of the internal structure of nerve, swelling point. That help to figure out where is the problem
CT scan is advance method combines many X-ray images taken from different angles,this allows the image diagnosis of foot clearer
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Radio waves and a strong magnetic field is used to create more detailed images. This method is special for detecting soft tissue that causes nerve compress.
Electromyography (EMG) this test is for detecting the damaged nerves
Foot drop is a serious condition. So diagnosis and method of treatment should only be done by a trusted doctor or foot specialist. Your doctor may prescribe exercises or physical therapies to improve your foot position and flexibility.
Causes
Foot drop can happen to any age. It can be a result of a severe sickness such as: polio fever, brain stroke, diabetic, after surgery hip or knee, multiple sclerosis ( MS),cerebral palsy, brain and spine disorder, Charcot-Marie. For whatever reasons, foot drop in these cases is caused by nerve damage. Bronchial nerve and endothelial are names of nerves that control moving and lifting function and of foot muscles. The injured muscles and tendons leading to the pain, numbness along the lower leg or the top of the foot.
Foot drop also can develop after a sports injury accident or long time bad habit of sitting. Especially with office ladies who cross one leg over other in many hours
This condition occurs in one leg or both legs for some people. Treatment will depend on the cause of the problem.
Treatments
Causes of foot drop, including neuromuscular diseases, nerve damage, spinal cord damage, and brain damage. Treatment will depend on the cause, and may include surgery, physiotherapy, and other treatments.
In might cases. Wearing braces or splints are useful methods of treatment. Braces over ankles and feet together with splints fit inside shoes can keep the foot in a normal, functional position.
Wearing Splints
Foot drop braces. Whether the condition of foot drop is temporary or permanent in nature. Wearing a foot brace will help the person back to normal gait.
Foot drop boot supports the foot and ankle. Because the front part of the foot is weak or paralysis. Wearing a boots will help to strengthen the force of foot, making walking become easier.
Wearing heel suspender
Physiotherapy exercising and stretching will strengthen the calf muscles and maintain range of motions in the knee and ankle. This can improve gait which is related to this problem
Massage help children with drop foot
Drop foot is a common childhood condition caused by a weakening of the muscles and tendons in the foot and ankle. Massage therapy can help improve the mobility, strength and flexibility of the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the foot and ankle, which can help improve the mobility of the joints and reduce the risk of foot injuries in later life. Your doctor may recommend massage therapy to improve the mobility of your feet and ankles, and help you recover from the impact of a fall or injury. Some people with drop foot may not experience any symptoms, but if you have had a recent injury or have a limp or a difficulty walking, your doctor may refer you to a specialist who can treat and manage your condition.
Sometimes, using nerve stimulation can improve the condition
Neurosurgery may help if the condition is new. But in the case of long- term. Doctor may recommend an ankle or metatarsal fusion surgery. Or a tendon transfer to attach the muscle to another part of the foot.
Conclusion
Foot drop is a serious medical condition. Treatments and wearing braces and splints can reduce the pain and help walking easier. However you should contact your doctor for a correct diagnosis, comprehensive solution and better care for your specific case
Sources Mayoclinic.org, webmd.com
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