Foot drop

The inability or marked weakness of active ankle dorsiflexion, typically caused by paralysis or severe weakness of the ankle dorsiflexor muscles, resulting in toe dragging, steppage gait, and difficulty clearing the foot during walking.

Causes

• Peripheral nerve disorders

  • Peroneal nerve damage: Trauma, compression, surgical injury

  • Peripheral neuropathy

  • Diabetic neuropathy

• Spinal and nerve root disorders

  • Lumbar radiculopathy

  • Spinal cord disorders affecting lower motor pathways

• Central nervous system disorders

  • Stroke

  • Brain injury

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Genetic and neuromuscular disorders

  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

  • Muscular dystrophy