is a deficit in turning the ankle and toes upward (
Dorsiflexion ). Conditions leading footdrop may be neurologic, muscular, and anatomic in origin, and often there is significant overlap.
Foot drop is characterized by steppage gait. When the person with foot drop walks, the foot slaps down onto the floor. To compensate for the toe drop, the patient must raise the thigh excessively, as if walking upstairs.
Patients with painful disorders of sensation (
Dysesthesia ) of the soles of the feet may have a similar gait, but do not have foot drop. Because of the extreme pain evoked by even the slightest pressure on the feet, the patient walks as if walking barefoot on hot sand.
The hard bit: discuss the main abnormalities (e.g. decreased FEV1 in COPD due to bronchial obstruction and/or decreased elasticity). This section can justifiably escalate into technical terms.
The underlying disorder must be treated. Ankles can be stabilized by lightweight
Orthoses , and shoes can be fit with springs to prevent foot drop while walking. Regular exercise is usually prescribed.
- Ropper AH, Brown RH (eds) Cerebrovascular Diseases in Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology. 2005 McGraw-Hill, New York ISBN 007141620
