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FOOT DROP Treatments and drugs Treatment for foot drop depends on the underlying cause. If the underlying cause is successfully treated, the patient's condition may improve or even disappear. If the underlying cause can't be treated, the condition may be permanent. Specific treatment for it may include: Braces or splints. A brace on your ankle and foot or splint that fits into your shoe can help hold your foot in a normal position. Physical therapy: Exercises that strengthen your leg muscles and help you maintain the range of motion in your knee and ankle may improve gait problems associated with foot drop. Stretching exercises are particularly important to prevent the development of stiffness in the heel. Nerve stimulation.Sometimes stimulating the nerve that lifts the foot improves foot drop. Surgery:In cases where the patient's condition is relatively new, nerve surgery may be helpful. If it is long-standing, your doctor may suggest surgery that fuses ankle or a procedure that transfers a functioning tendon to a different position. Mobility: sometimes just the simple act of taking a step, can be challenging for people recovering from a stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or incomplete spinal cord injury. Often, the partial leg paralysis of these conditions prevents the foot from lifting properly to walk. Referred to as "foot drop," it can cause instability, making walking difficult and limiting function and independence. Using the latest in wireless technology, the System is designed to lift the foot during the swing phase of walking. The System is intended to increase speed and stability, offering people with foot drop more freedom to participate in everyday activities. Here’s how it works. When the gait sensor detects "heel off," it sends a message to the leg cuff that then electrically stimulates the leg muscles to lift the foot. This chain reaction of events results in patients achieving a more normal walk (gait). Physical therapists help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility in ways that enhance a patient’s health and quality of life. Their role is critical in working to educate and coach patients with foot drop in this type of mobility therapy. FES / TES Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is the application of electrical currents to either generate or suppress activity in the nervous system. The XFT-2001 employs FES to: 1. Address foot drop issues secondary to upper motor neuron dysfunctions 2. Produce effective dorsiflexion at the ankle at the optimum time during walking toimprove limb clearance during swing 3. Control the foot/ankle during swing in preparation for a safe and effective initial contact period 4. Maintain and improve mobility and safety during walking 5. Effect early gait re-training This is a simple guide on foot drop treatment and how they are helpful to people with various conditions. Click on this link to find out more.
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