Foot drop, also called drop foot, is difficulty lifting the front of the foot, which causes the toes to catch or drag while walking. It is a sign rather than a disease: the muscles that lift the foot are not receiving the nerve signals they need. A common spinal cause is a compressed nerve root in the lower back, and prompt treatment gives the nerve the best chance to recover.
Treatment depends on the cause and how long the weakness has been present. When a compressed nerve in the spine is responsible, relieving that pressure is the priority.
Supportive care
Minimally invasive procedures
Timing matters: the sooner a compressed nerve is freed, the better the chance of regaining strength. Most procedures are performed same-day.
Foot drop can start in the spine, along the nerve in the leg, or in the brain and spinal cord. Common causes include:
Herniated disc at L4-L5
Compresses the L5 nerve root, a common spinal cause.
Narrowing of the canal or nerve openings crowds the nerve root.
Peroneal nerve compression
Pressure or injury near the outside of the knee, such as from leg crossing or a cast.
Spinal cord or brain injury
Stroke, trauma, or multiple sclerosis can disrupt the nerve signals.
Nerve and muscle disorders
Peripheral neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or muscular dystrophy.
Bone spurs
Osteophytes from spinal arthritis can pinch a nerve root.
Finding where the nerve is compressed determines the right treatment. The pattern of symptoms gives important clues.
From the spine
L5 radiculopathy
A nerve root is compressed in the lower back
From the leg
Peroneal neuropathy
The nerve is compressed near the knee
Nerve studies and MRI help confirm the source. Seek urgent care if foot drop comes with numbness in the groin or any loss of bladder or bowel control.
New or worsening foot drop should be evaluated promptly, because nerve recovery tends to be better the sooner pressure on the nerve is relieved. It is an emergency when it comes with numbness in the groin or any loss of bladder or bowel control.
Often, yes, particularly when the cause is a compressed nerve that is treated promptly. Recovery depends on how severe the weakness is and how long the nerve has been compressed, which is why early care matters.
A herniated disc compressing the L5 nerve root in the lower back is a common spinal cause. Spinal stenosis and bone spurs can also compress the nerves that control the muscles lifting the foot.
Yes. Compression or injury of the peroneal nerve near the outside of the knee is a common non-spinal cause. Stroke, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, and certain muscle disorders can also cause foot drop.
A specialist tests the strength of the muscles that lift the foot and checks sensation and reflexes. MRI shows whether a disc or narrowing is compressing a nerve root, and nerve conduction studies can show where along the nerve the problem lies.
If a compressed nerve in the spine is the cause and the weakness is significant or worsening, a minimally invasive decompression is often recommended to relieve the pressure. A brace and physical therapy support walking during recovery.
An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is a lightweight brace worn inside the shoe that holds the foot up while walking. It reduces tripping and falls while the nerve recovers or when weakness is long-standing.
As soon as possible. Total Spine and Orthopedics treats new foot drop as a reason to be seen promptly. To schedule an evaluation in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), or Titusville, call (321) 499-4646.
Foot drop may develop suddenly or gradually. Common signs include:
Do not wait: new or worsening foot drop should be evaluated promptly.
When the spine is the cause
Supporting recovery
Seek immediate care for progressive weakness, foot drop, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or any loss of bladder or bowel control.
How ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic procedures compare with traditional open surgery, and why most patients recover faster.
When foot drop comes from a compressed nerve in the spine, minimally invasive decompression frees the nerve with less tissue disruption and a faster recovery.
Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.
Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.
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We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.
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Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.
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Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.
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