Definition

Foot drop is a weakness of muscles that are involved in flexing the ankle and toes. As a result, the toes droop downward and impede the normal walking motion.

Description

The use of the term foot drop can make it seem as if the condition is rather simple and inconsequential. This is not the case. Foot drop can be a consequence of injury to muscles that are known as dorsiflexor muscles, injury to certain nerves, a stroke, brain injury, toxic effect of drugs, and even diabetes. Foot drop is likely not a new malady. Historical descriptions that match foot drop date back over 2000 years.

Foot drop can also be described as drop foot, steppage gait, and as equinovarus deformity.

Demographics

Foot drop affects both males and females. However, it is more common in males (the male to female ratio is...