Foot Drop

Effective foot drop treatment aims to restore mobility, prevent complications, and treat the root cause of the condition.

Patients often feel frustrated by sudden changes in mobility. Fortunately, a range of interventions — from foot drop braces and electrical stimulation to targeted foot therapy and even surgery — can help. This article walks through every step of the diagnosis and treatment process, covering both clinical and home-based care options.

Diagnosing Foot Drop Before Treatment

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective drop foot treatment. The evaluation typically includes:

• Clinical examination: Doctors begin with a foot drop test, assessing dorsiflexion strength, gait, and signs of nerve dysfunction.
• Electromyography (EMG): Measures electrical activity in muscles, revealing the extent of nerve damage.
• Nerve conduction studies: Evaluate how quickly electrical impulses move through the peroneal nerve.
• CT or X-rays: Used to detect bone abnormalities or fractures affecting nerves.
• Ultrasound: Useful in evaluating soft tissue or nerve compression.
  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Helps visualize soft tissue, spinal discs, and the brain to locate structural or neurological issues. [1]

These diagnostics help differentiate between causes like lumbar radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, or central nervous system disorders.

Foot Drop Treatment

Effective foot drop treatment depends on identifying the root cause — whether it’s neurological, muscular, or structural. Treatment plans range from non-invasive supports to surgical interventions. Doctors typically start with conservative methods and only progress to surgery if symptoms persist or worsen.

First-Line Treatments for Foot Drop

Initial treatments focus on managing symptoms, preventing complications, and restoring mobility:

• Bracing with Foot Drop Braces: When it comes to mechanical support, foot drop braces are one of the most common non-invasive solutions. [2] Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs) support the ankle and foot in a neutral position to prevent dragging during walking. It helps improve gait and reduce fall risk. Braces range from rigid plastic models to lightweight dynamic options for more flexibility. Custom-fitted braces often yield better outcomes in conjunction with foot neuromuscular therapy.
• Foot Neuromuscular Therapy and Foot Drop Exercises: Neuromuscular rehabilitation is essential for strengthening weak muscles, improving balance, and retraining gait. Foot drop exercises like ankle dorsiflexion, resistance band pulls, and toe lifts are incorporated into daily therapy routines. Structured foot therapy can reduce long-term reliance on assistive devices. [3]
• Electrical Stimulation (FES): Best electrical stimulation for foot drop includes Functional Electrical Stimulation devices that apply low-voltage impulses to stimulate nerve-muscle activity. FES is often used during walking to promote more natural movement. [3]
• Medications: Inflammation or nerve pain may be treated with NSAIDs or corticosteroids. These are typically used alongside other therapies.

Advanced and Surgical Options

If symptoms persist after months of conservative treatment or if imaging reveals a mechanical or nerve lesion, more intensive measures may be recommended, including foot drop surgery.

Surgical options vary depending on the underlying cause. They include:

• Tendon transfer: rerouting functional tendons to restore dorsiflexion. [2]
• Nerve decompression: relieving pressure on compressed nerves.
• Nerve grafting: replacing or repairing damaged nerve sections. [4]
  

Studies show that the success rate of the operation is over 80% [4] [5]. Always consult your doctor about the prognosis and likelihood of success in your case. 

How Can Drop Foot Recovery Be Sped Up?

Speeding up recovery involves combining therapies. Bracing, neuromuscular re-education, and targeted foot therapy programs work together. Reducing inflammation early on, avoiding overexertion, and practicing structured foot drop exercises can shorten recovery times.

Keep in mind that treatment for drop foot is highly individualized. Patients recovering from stroke or surgery may need longer than those with temporary nerve compression.

How Do You Stimulate Nerves for Foot Drop?

The best way to stimulate nerves for foot drop is by using electrical stimulation devices. These tools help retrain muscles to lift the foot properly. Common options include Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) and the Moore MyoWorx TM20 device. 

Does Foot Drop Go Away on Its Own?

In cases related to nerve compression from sleeping positions or minor injuries, yes, foot drop can go away. 

Can drop foot be cured? 

Sometimes. If the nerve regenerates or the root cause is resolved, full recovery is possible. For persistent cases, foot drop surgery may be an option, with a growing foot drop surgery success rate seen in tendon transfers and decompressions.

Moore MyoWorx Foot Drop Treatment

Moore MyoWorx offers an advanced approach to drop foot treatment using its proprietary TM20 device and exercise protocols. The TM20 device is the result of the neuromuscular research and innovation of Moore MyoWorx founder Terry Moore and is approved for use by the FDA and Health Canada. 

Moore MyoWorx therapy goes beyond conventional drop foot treatment by addressing the underlying root causes of muscular dysfunction. Unlike traditional foot physical therapy, which may focus only on muscles, Moore MyoWorx therapy integrates :

• Myofascial release to improve blood flow and nerve conduction.
• Targeted exercises for nerve re-education.
• Electrical stimulation tailored to patient response.
• Postural corrections to reduce mechanical compression.

Patients with complex neurological symptoms, including those recovering from concussion or chronic pain, have reported significant improvement under this protocol.

Lifestyle and At-Home Treatment for Drop Foot

Complementary at-home strategies can significantly enhance formal foot drop treatment. These include:

• Daily foot drop exercises: Toe taps, dorsiflexion resistance band pulls, and ankle mobility drills.
• Walking with support: Gentle walks using a walker, cane, or brace to build strength safely.
• Night splints: Keep the foot in a flexed position to avoid stiffness.
• Self-massage and stretching: Focus on calves and peroneal muscle group.
• Hydrotherapy: Warm water exercises for low-impact movement and circulation.
• Positioning: Elevate the foot and avoid leg crossing to prevent nerve compression.

Pro tip: Perform exercises 1–2 times daily for 10–15 minutes, adjusting intensity based on fatigue levels. Always consult a therapist before starting a home program.

Does Walking Help with Foot Drop?

Yes — but it must be done carefully. Gentle, structured walking with proper foot drop braces can reinforce a natural gait. Overexertion or incorrect walking form, however, can delay healing. Use walking as a form of low-impact foot therapy, ideally under supervision early on.

What Exercise Is Best for Foot Drop?

Foot drop exercises are critical for recovery. These include:

• Ankle dorsiflexion using resistance bands.
• Toe raises and marble pickups.
• Balance training and calf stretches.

Consistency matters more than intensity. Aim for daily sessions and include neuromuscular stimulation if prescribed. These exercises complement formal foot therapy programs and help prevent joint stiffness.

How to Prevent Foot Drop

Preventive strategies include managing underlying neurological conditions, avoiding prolonged leg compression, and stretching regularly. Diabetic patients and those recovering from surgery should be especially careful. After orthopedic or spinal surgery, use prescribed mobility aids and adhere to movement restrictions. [6]

Proper ergonomics during sitting, physical activity, and sleep can reduce the risk of nerve compression. If you’re prone to leg weakness or numbness, take it seriously.

How to prevent foot drop in bed:

• Keep knees slightly bent with a pillow under calves.
• Avoid heavy blankets that push the foot down (plantarflexion).
• Reposition frequently to prevent pressure on the peroneal nerve.
• Wear night splints if prescribed.

These precautions help maintain circulation and prevent nerve damage while sleeping — a critical time for muscle regeneration. Preventing strategies are especially crucial for bedridden or post-op patients, where immobility can lead to foot drop over time.

Preparing for a Visit to the Specialist

Before seeking foot drop treatment, prepare a list of symptoms, injury history, and physical limitations. Bring imaging reports and therapy records. Specialists may recommend further tests like EMG or gait analysis.

Be ready to ask questions like:

• What is the best brace for my condition?
• Can drop foot be cured, or is it permanent in my case?
• Do I need foot drop surgery, and what’s the expected outcome?

Moore MyoWorx specializes in non-invasive neuromuscular therapy that goes beyond conventional rehabilitation. Book your assessment today to explore personalized foot drop treatment options backed by years of research, experience, and real recovery success stories.