Management

management

Refer patients

• to a neurologist – if foot drop is
  • acute and bilateral – immediately
  • unilateral and associated with fasciculations or widespread neuropathy - within one week
    
    
• to a surgeon – immediately if compartment syndrome is suspected

In severe weakness, physiotherapy for specific muscle training could be beneficial.

Educate the patient about the condition

• advice them to avoid leg crossing, squatting, and kneeling
• recommend flat shoes that support the ankles to prevent ankle sprain

An ankle foot orthosis to support the foot while walking and to reduce risk of falling may be utilized after considering the severity of foot drop and the patient’s condition.

Review patient in two months and if there is no improvement of the condition, refer to a neurologist (1)

Reference:

• (1) Stevens F, Weerkamp NJ, Cals JW.Foot drop. BMJ. 2015;350:h1736