Foot Drop (Drop Foot)
Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options for Drop Foot
Foot drop, also known as drop foot, is a condition that causes difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, often resulting in a dragging gait. At SoCal Foot and Ankle Doctors, with locations in Santa Monica and Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers, we offer comprehensive diagnostics and advanced treatment options to help patients regain mobility and prevent long-term complications.
Foot drop is not a disease itself, but a sign of an underlying neurological, muscular, or anatomical issue that must be addressed.
Causes of Foot Drop
- Peripheral nerve injury (especially peroneal nerve damage)
- Spinal cord injury or herniated discs
- Stroke or brain injury
- Muscular dystrophy or multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Nerve compression due to prolonged leg crossing, kneeling, or wearing tight casts or braces
Symptoms of Foot Drop
- Inability to lift the front of the foot (toe drag while walking)
- High-stepping gait to compensate
- Numbness or tingling over the top of the foot
- Muscle weakness in the lower leg
Diagnosis at Our Clinics
- Neurological & Muscular Exam
- Gait & Biomechanical Analysis
- Nerve Conduction Studies & EMG (as needed)
- Diagnostic Ultrasound or MRI Referral
Treatment Options for Foot Drop
Conservative Therapies
- Custom Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs) to improve gait and support foot lift
- Balance Braces for elderly or fall-prone patients
- Physical therapy to strengthen leg muscles and improve range of motion
- Electrical stimulation devices for nerve reactivation
Advanced & Regenerative Therapies
- Shockwave Therapy to stimulate nerve regeneration in select cases
- Amniotic or PRP Injections to aid soft tissue and nerve healing
- Stem Cell Injections for chronic nerve compression or muscular degeneration
Surgical Options (if conservative treatments fail)
- Tendon transfer surgery
- Decompression of entrapped nerves (e.g., peroneal nerve)
- Joint fusion procedures in severe, permanent cases
What to Expect
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Many patients regain partial or full function with bracing, physical therapy, and regenerative techniques. Our team customizes each plan based on your medical history, symptoms, and goals.
Why Choose SoCal Foot and Ankle Doctors?
- Extensive experience treating neurologic and mechanical foot disorders
- In-depth gait analysis and bracing solutions
- Convenient access in Santa Monica and Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers
- Specialists in conservative care and minimally invasive surgery
Our Docters
Our Board Certified Podiatrists
Socal Foot and Ankle doctors are committed to delivering the most exceptional treatments.
Board Certified Foot & Ankle Specialist
Office Time
Location: Santa Monica
Mon – Thur: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Board Certified Foot & Ankle Specialist
Office Time
Location: Santa Monica
Mon – Thur: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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