What is Foot Drop?
Foot drop is a condition where a person has difficulty lifting the front part of the foot when walking. This happens due to irritation/compression/loss of function of the peroneal nerve or nerves higher up in the spine. It results in weakness in the muscles responsible for dorsiflexion (lifting the foot upwards).
Rather than being a diagnosis itself, foot drop is a
symptom of an underlying neurological, muscular, or biomechanical issue.
Symptoms & What You May Experience
- Inability or difficulty lifting the front of the foot
- “Slapping” of the foot when walking
- High-stepping or exaggerated hip movement (to clear the toes)
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the shin or foot
- Difficulty walking on heels
- Tripping or catching the foot on uneven ground
- Fatigue in the lower leg
Symptoms may appear gradually or suddenly depending on the cause.
What causes Foot Drop?
Common causes include:
- Peroneal nerve compression at the knee or fibular head
- Lumbar spine issues (e.g. disc herniation, nerve root compression)
- Stroke, multiple sclerosis, or neuropathy
- Compartment syndrome or muscle injury
- Prolonged crossed-leg sitting, squatting, or casts/braces
- Trauma to the knee, hip, or lower spine
In some cases, foot drop is temporary; in others, it needs long-term management.
How We Help (At Victoria Park Osteopaths)
Our role is to support movement, reduce irritation, and optimise mechanics. Treatment may include:
- Assessment of nerve involvement from the spine to the lower leg
- Mobilisation of the lumbar spine, pelvis, hip, knee, or ankle
- Soft tissue work along the peroneal nerve pathway
- Exercises to activate dorsiflexor and stabiliser muscles
- Gait retraining and balance re-education
- Advice on pacing and safe movement
- Referral for imaging, neurology, or bracing if needed
We aim to restore as much function and confidence in walking as possible.
Recovery Time & What to Expect
- Recovery depends on the underlying cause
- Mild compression injuries may improve within weeks to months
- Cases caused by disc irritation or inflammation often improve with treatment and rehab
- Neurological causes may require collaborative care with specialists
Early intervention gives the best outcomes.
When to Seek Medical Review / Red Flags
You should seek urgent assessment if you experience:
- Sudden onset of foot drop
- Loss of bladder/bowel control
- Severe back or leg pain
- Rapid muscle wasting
- Recent trauma, stroke, or neurological change
