Test for Foot Drop

Foot drop, also commonly referred to as "drop foot," is not a diagnosis or disease by itself. It's a symptom of a larger problem, and the tests used to identify a specific diagnosis depend on the underlying cause.

Definition

• "Foot drop" describes the condition when a patient cannot lift the foot at the ankle, point the toe up towards the body, or move the foot inward and outward. Foot drop sometimes comes with numbness, pain or weakness and usually makes walking difficult because the foot drags on the floor. The unusual walking gait this difficulty creates is called "foot drop gait."

Identification

• Foot drop is identified primarily through a physical examination. A complete history and physical is combined with a physical assessment of the foot and ankle's strength and position, along with any symptoms such as pain, weakness or loss of feeling reported by the patient. The underlying cause of the foot drop is identified through various other tests and diagnostic measures.

Muscle or Nerve Damage

• Foot drop can be caused by injury or damage to the nerves that run from the foot and ankle up into the lower spine. The most common cause of foot drop is injury to the peroneal nerve. Physical trauma or a bone fracture from an accident; a herniated disc that puts pressure on the nerve; neuropathy, or damage caused by diabetes; or even damage caused by a negative drug reaction can trigger foot drop as a symptom. Diagnosis of these causes varies greatly but all will start with an extensive history and physical, neurological examination, then additional tests such as an MRI and blood tests.

Disorders

• Muscular dystrophy is a nerve disease that can result in foot drop. Often an inherited disease, it is diagnosed through an in-depth medical history, muscle-stimulation tests, DNA testing and sometimes a muscle biopsy.

Treatment

• Foot drop can be temporary or permanent. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment usually includes an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) to stabilize and support the foot, as well as physical therapy to strengthen the muscles. Surgery may be needed in the case of broken bones or trauma, a pinched nerve or a herniated disc.