|  | Conditions Treatments | Broken Bone

Foot Drop Symptoms & Broken Leg

According to the Mayo Clinic, foot drop is a condition that results from weak or paralyzed muscles below the knee, rendering them unable to lift the front part of the foot. Specific causes vary, including a type of bone fracture. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of foot drop should contact a doctor for a consultation and physical exam.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of foot drop will usually be seen in only one foot. They include dragging or slapping the foot on the floor while walking, pain, weakness, or numbness in the foot, as well as having trouble lifting the front part of the foot. Another symptom of foot drop is known as steppage gait, or lifting the thigh while walking, similar to the way you might climb stairs.

    Considerations

    • Foot drop can be a result of a type of broken leg called a tibial fracture. This is a type of fracture that commonly does not heal naturally, and requires the insertion of pins into the bones for positioning. Due to the difficulty of treating a tibial fracture, there are many possible complications, including torn arteries or increased pressure in the lower leg, which restricts oxygen to muscles and nerves. Occasionally, a tibial fracture will lead to injury to the peroneal nerve, causing foot drop.

    Causes

    • Foot drop can be caused by a number of things besides a broken leg. These causes include muscle or nerve damage to the lower spine or leg. This damage can be the result of a disease like diabetes or can stem from surgery like hip replacement. Muscle and nerve disorders, including certain forms of muscular dystrophy, can also cause foot drop, as can central nervous system disorders affecting the spinal cord or brain.

    Identification

    • If you think you have foot drop, take note of the specific symptoms you are experiencing, including details about when they began. Your doctor will be able to diagnose foot drop by administering a physical exam, though further testing may be required. An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or EMG (Electromyography) test will provide images and measure electrical activity in the muscles and nerves, giving your doctor more information about your condition.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Treatment methods for foot drop will depend on the cause. In the case of foot drop caused by a broken leg and damage to the peroneal nerve, a doctor may recommend nerve stimulation. A small electrical stimulator is strapped below the knee or implanted in the leg to deliver stimulation to the nerves. Additional treatments include braces or splints, physical therapy and surgery.

Broken Bone - Related Articles