So often, we get used to the way our body works that we don’t always recognize when there is an issue. This is a very common occurrence with individuals who suffer from foot drop – a neuromuscular disorder that leads to difficulty in lifting the front half of the foot, thus resulting in a variety of painful conditions.

While foot drop may go away on its own for some, other individuals may require surgery or another form of treatment, such as chiropractic care and other effective solutions. Here we take a closer look at foot drop and explain how this condition is treated at our St. Petersburg, FL chiropractic office.

Do I have foot drop?

The most obvious symptom of foot drop occurs when an individual is unable to lift the front portion of his or her foot due to weakened muscles that surround the ankles and toes. Instead of walking, an individual may drag his or her feet, thus leading to a wider arc when walking or standing. Other symptoms may include a burning sensation, pain, tingling, or discomfort in one or both feet.

Muscles that are commonly affected include:

• Peroneus longus
• Extensor hallicus longus
• Extensor digitorum longus
• Tibialis anterior
• Plantar flexors of the foot tibialis posterior
• Soleus
• Gastrocnemius

How does foot drop occur?

The simple answer to this question is nerve and muscle damage to the leg. The more complex and technical answer includes:  

• Injury and/or compression of deep, common, or superficial peroneal nerves (nerves that span from the knee to the foot).
• Fatigue and compression of the anterior muscles (caused by the foot remaining in extension)
• Weakened anterior muscles that are so exhausted it can lead to compression or permanent foot drop (caused by injured nerves in back compression)
• Conditions such as muscular sclerosis that result in foot drop due to poor mechanics, thus landing the foot in supination that causes an overcorrection and results in muscle fatigue
• Deep sheaths within the leg that clamp on nerves, causing deep compression (requires a surgical release)

How does Burghealth Chiropractic & Wellness treat foot drop?

The first step to treating foot drop is through an initial consultation with one of our trained chiropractic team members who will perform a mobility test of the foot and ankle. This will determine the range of motion as well as the underlying cause of the foot drop.

Based on the results of this analysis, we will either refer you to a specialist or create a chiropractic care treatment plan that may include one or more of the following services: 

• Active Release Technique (ART) - decompresses soft tissue and loosens fibrotic/fascia
• Deep Tissue Laser - heals the damaged nerve and surrounding tissues
• Chiropractic Care & Techniques – treats and relieves pain or conditions that originate in the spine or other extremities
• Corrective Exercises, Rehab, & Stretching – minimizes or eliminates compensation

Treat Foot Drop at Burghealth Chiropractic & Wellness 

Are you worried that you may be suffering from foot drop? Don’t delay! If left untreated, this condition can lead to more severe conditions such as muscle atrophy, abnormal posture, hip problems, and a reduction in the muscle mass of the leg. Contact Burghealth Chiropractic and Wellness at (727) 289-9148 to learn more about our chiropractic care services or to book an appointment.