Splint Types for Foot Drop

Foot drop occurs when a person attempts to raise the front part of the foot but cannot. Those with foot drop compensate by either shuffling or using an exaggerated lift that brings the foot higher, making it easier to avoid catching toes on anything. From the shuffle position, the motion morphs into bending the knee to raise the entire foot from the ground. This strange, uneven walking gait is called steppage gait. Foot drop can resolve on its own; however, assistive devices are available to lessen the possibility of injury. Treatment initially focuses on an underlying illness or abnormality but using foot splints can be a temporary or permanent solution.

Fixed Position Ankle Splint

• This splint, which weighs just 10 oz., is ideal for foot drop patients. It is an assistive device that allows patients with mild to moderate foot drop to experience correct ambulation. The fixed position has several advantages. It immobilizes the foot after an injury and you may use it as long as necessary for the therapeutic return-to-function gait.

  A fixed position ankle splint attaches to an arch support orthotic, thus providing the ultimate in functional support. It allows for noticeable improvement in steppage gait while maintaining a much lower profile than Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) splints. However, for fashion-conscious individuals there is no good news here. These ankle splints come in one color--black.

Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO)

• Another common foot splint used for foot drop is the ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). This is usually a post-surgical fitting, but is effective when surgical procedure is not an option.

  The purpose of an AFO is to provide stability during any of the three stages of stepping: the standing phase, swing phase or the push-off motion when leaving standing phase. If the foot can withstand momentary pressure during push-off, an AFO can be a helpful device.

  It is common to use an AFO in cases of foot drop where rigid support is required. The AFO supports the back of the lower leg and fits into a shoe. This is helpful for patients recovering from stroke or those with chronic neurologic dysfunction causing instability or spasticity. This particular AFO is made of polypropylene--a strong, plastic-like material that fits snugly due to professional trimming.

Concealed or Exposed AFO

• In some cases, concealed shoe inserts are all a patient needs to overcome the walking difficulty that results from foot drop. If the ankle is very unstable, a one-piece AFO splint provides the best solution. It has an "L" shape, which slightly shifts posture and relieves pressure on pinched nerves.

  The one piece forms a 90-degree angle at the heel and supports the back of the lower leg to a point below the knee where it encircles the leg and secures the AFO. Where the heel form stretches to the underside of the foot, the shoe secures it correctly.