Foot drop is definitely something that comes up a lot in the MS community, and for good reason — it's a frequently seen symptom in MS, including PPMS. It happens when the muscles in your ankle and foot become weak, or when the nerve signals between your brain and leg muscles get disrupted, making it hard to lift the front Show Full Answer
Foot drop is definitely something that comes up a lot in the MS community, and for good reason — it's a frequently seen symptom in MS, including PPMS. It happens when the muscles in your ankle and foot become weak, or when the nerve signals between your brain and leg muscles get disrupted, making it hard to lift the front part of your foot properly when walking. Here's what foot drop can look like day-to-day:
- Your foot or toes may drag or scuff along the ground
- You might lift your knee higher than normal to avoid dragging (called a "steppage gait")
- Walking on stairs, curbs, or uneven surfaces becomes more difficult
- It can increase your risk of tripping and falling
- Over time, it can lead to hip and lower back pain, and muscle tightness The good news is there are several treatment options available. A neurologist or physical therapist can evaluate you and recommend the best approach. Common treatments include:
- Physical therapy to strengthen leg, ankle, and foot muscles
- Assistive devices like ankle-foot orthotics (braces)
- Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) — a device that sends small electrical signals to help lift the foot while walking
- Surgery in some cases, such as tendon transfer or ankle/foot bone fusion
If you're noticing any difficulty raising the front of your foot while walking, it's worth bringing it up with your neurologist sooner rather than later. Catching it early gives you more options!
April 25
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