Posted on July 3, 2009 in Latest News
Foot drop is a term which describes difficulty in lifting the front portion of the foot. A person having foot drop tends to drag the foot on the ground. The foot may slap downwards with each step. To avoid this downward motion of the foot, people may lift their thigh high while walking, resulting in a gait known as steppage gait.
Foot drop can be caused due to foot injury. It can also be caused due to muscle or nerve disorders. If the underlying cause of foot drop is treated, the foot drop can resolve. However, if it does not resolve through treatment, foot drop may be permanent.
To treat foot drop temporarily or permanently, foot drop braces can be used. These braces keep the foot from dragging downwards by supporting the foot and ankle joint. Braces for foot drop are also known as Ankle Foot Orthotics (AFO).
How Do Foot Drop Braces Work?
Foot drop Braces work by controlling the plantarflexion and dorsioflexion motion of the foot. Plantarflexion is the downward motion of the foot, where the toes point downwards; dorsiflexion is the upward motion of the foot, where the toes point upwards. Patients having foot drop have incomplete dorsiflexion motion of the foot.
Types of Foot Drop Braces:
Following are the types of braces for foot drop :
- Short leg fixed braces – they can be fit into the shoes. They control the rolling of the foot
- Dorsiflexion assist braces- help the foot to raise when lifting off the ground
- Plantarflexion stop braces – they prevent the foot from pointing downward
- Solid braces
- Full leg posterior braces
- Energy return braces
The above ankle-foot braces can help you to walk with a normal gait. An orthopedist can help you to decide which foot drop brace suits you the best.
» Filed Under Latest News
Comments
Leave a Reply
