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Foot drop

Overview

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Common causes of foot drop include sports injuries, a slipped disc in the spine, and crossing your legs, kneeling or squatting a lot.

If you have foot drop, a GP will examine your leg and foot, and look at the way you walk. You may be referred to a specialist for more tests.

Common treatments for foot drop are physiotherapy, braces or shoe inserts, and electrical devices put in your body to help your nerves work.

There's a higher risk of having falls if you have foot drop. You can avoid this by using a walking aid and removing things you could trip on at home.

Foot drop (drop foot) is where it's difficult to lift or move your foot and toes when walking.

Page last reviewed: 06/01/2022
Next review due: 06/01/2025