Foot Drop Caused by Gluteal Inactivity

Foot drop, also known as drop foot, is a condition affecting a patient's ability to control the position and motion of the foot and results in the toe dragging when the patient walks. Foot drop can be caused by many different nerve and muscle conditions, and a physical therapist can help evaluate and treat foot drop caused by gluteal inactivity and other nerve or muscle disorders, and can help promote a healthy gait.

Significance

• Foot drop is a serious condition for many people, particularly the elderly, because of the risk it poses for tripping and falling. Foot drop can also be symptomatic of other conditions such as muscular dystrophy or significant nerve damage, which, if not diagnosed and treated, may rapidly progress to a loss of mobility and muscular function. Gluteal inactivity may also be symptomatic of other conditions affecting the patient's mobility, since limited mobility often results in muscular atrophy and weakness.

Types

• Many different types of foot drop may occur and are treated using different tools and tactics. While gluteal muscular atrophy and nerve damage may result in persistent foot drop that requires strength training and physical therapy to treat, some other types of foot drop may be only temporary, resulting from a passing numbness or paralysis in the nerves after short periods of inactivity.

Function

• Gluteal inactivity can cause foot drop because of the range of muscles required from the hip to the ankle to control foot position. Furthermore, limited mobility and gluteal atrophy may also occur in conjunction with damage to the nerves in the hips and legs, which may also contribute to foot drop.

Identification

• Foot drop can be identified by a patient's inability to raise the toe while sitting or standing, or a patient persistently and unconsciously dragging the toe of one or both feet while walking. Foot drop caused by gluteal activity can be identified through physical therapy that tests the gluteal muscle strength by measuring a patient's ability to lift, extend and hold the leg in position.

Benefits

• The benefits of treatment for foot drop caused by gluteal inactivity include improved gait and increased mobility for patients, as well as decreased risk of injury while standing and walking. Patients whose foot drop is treated through physical therapy targeting gluteal muscle strength also experience improved leg muscle function and increased overall health through strength training.

Considerations

• When treating foot drop caused by gluteal inactivity, therapists may choose to use an orthopedic shoe or foot brace insert to reduce the risk of injury during the treatment period and until foot drop can be cured by improved muscle function. Other individuals whose foot drop is not caused by gluteal inactivity may rely on orthopedic aids permanently or for much longer periods of time.