Treatment depends on the cause of the drop foot. Successfully treating the cause can improve or cure drop foot. But if the cause can’t be treated, drop foot may be permanent.
Treatments include:
- A brace or splint on the ankle and foot to hold your foot in a normal position. This is the most common treatment.
- Physical therapy, including stretching, to strengthen the leg muscles, help you move your knee and ankle, and prevent stiffness.
- Nerve stimulation, using an electronic device to help correct the way your foot moves when walking.
- Surgery, which depends on the cause of drop foot:
- For a new drop foot from a nerve injury, surgery can repair the damaged nerve or give it more space.
- For a permanent drop foot, surgery to fuse (”weld” together) the foot and ankle joint or to transfer tendons from stronger muscles can help improve walking and make the foot more stable.