Every year the third Friday in September marks National Foot Drop Awareness Day to raise awareness of a condition that impacts thousands of individuals across the globe. Foot Drop, also known as Drop Foot, can significantly affect a person’s mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.
In this article, we’ll explore what Foot Drop is, its early signs, diagnosis, symptoms, and the latest advancements in treatment and support available in 2025.
What is Foot Drop?
Foot Drop is a medical condition characterised by the inability to lift the front of the foot, often causing the toes to drag while walking. It usually stems from impairment of the nerves or muscles that control foot movement.
Common causes include:
- Nerve damage (such as peroneal nerve injury)
- Muscular disorders
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or motor neurone disease
Early Signs of Foot Drop
Recognising the early signs of Foot Drop is crucial for timely intervention. Some common indicators include:
- Frequent tripping or stumbling while walking
- Difficulty lifting the front of the foot
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg or foot
- Pain or discomfort in the ankle, leg, or foot
Diagnosis and Treatment in 2025
If diagnosed with Foot Drop, a healthcare professional will investigate the underlying cause and design a treatment plan. Thanks to medical advancements in 2025, treatment approaches are more effective and accessible than ever:
- Physical Therapy: Strengthening and mobility exercises tailored to the individual
- Orthotic Devices: Modern braces and splints offering lightweight, discreet support
- Nerve stimulation or surgery: Innovative nerve repair and tendon transfer techniques
Symptoms of Foot Drop
Symptoms can vary in severity. Common experiences include:
- Inability to dorsiflex the foot (lifting the foot upwards)
- Altered gait, often a high-stepping walk to clear the foot
- Muscle weakness or atrophy in the affected leg
- Tingling, numbness, or reduced sensation in the leg or foot
- Difficulty with daily activities such as climbing stairs or walking long distances
Positive Foot Drop Statistics:
Whilst Foot Drop can be challenging, there are positive statistics that offer hope:
- Treatment Success: Many individuals with Foot Drop respond well to treatment, particularly physical therapy, and orthotic devices, regaining significant mobility and independence.
- Medical Innovation: Ongoing advancements in medical technology and surgical procedures offer new hope for those with severe cases of Foot Drop.
- Awareness and Support: National Foot Drop Awareness Day serves as a platform to raise awareness, promote research, and foster support networks for individuals and their families affected by this condition.
What can we offer?
At Orthotix, we understand the struggles people who suffer with Foot Drop go through daily. That is why we offer a wide selection of products specifically designed to assist with Foot Drop.
-
Ankle Foot Orthosis Extra
This prefabricated leaf-spring style orthosis offers reliable dorsiflexion support. Crafted from injection-moulded polypropylene strengthened with carbon fibre composite, it provides both resilience and a streamlined profile. -
Ankle Foot Orthosis Light
A minimal, easy-to-wear solution for dorsiflexion assistance. Made from durable polypropylene, this slim orthosis enhances mobility, adapts well to most footwear, and provides dependable support without bulk. -
Boxia® Drop Foot AFO
A lightweight and innovative orthosis that supports safe mobility by lifting the foot during the swing phase of walking. Its comfortable design reduces the likelihood of tripping over everyday obstacles. -
Boxia® Plus Drop Foot AFO
Engineered for simplicity and independence, this version can be donned with just one hand. It combines comfort and lightness while ensuring the foot clears the ground during gait, lowering the risk of stumbles. -
Carbon Ankle Foot Orthosis
Built from advanced carbon fibre layup technology, this orthosis is exceptionally light yet strong. Its dynamic design captures and releases energy, promoting smoother, more natural steps. -
StepUp® Drop Foot Support
Sleek and nearly invisible under clothing, this device uses a special strap tension system reinforced with silicone beading to create upward lift of the foot. By improving clearance, it minimizes the chance of falls linked to foot drop.
Beyond devices, we are a proud supplier to the NHS and have built trusted partnerships with organisations including Cardiff City Football Club, Wales Netball and Disability Sport Wales.
Explore our full Foot Drop range online or visit our Orthotix Walk-In Clinic, where you can try on a selection of products before you buy. Please note, our clinic cannot provide medical diagnosis, but our team is on hand to recommend suitable products and help you find the right fit.
No appointment is necessary for this service, our walk-in clinic is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
For further enquiries, contact us at enquiries@orthotix.co.uk
