Foot Drop – Common Questions Answered by a Neurosurgeon
Q: What is Foot Drop?
A: Foot Drop is difficulty or inability to lift the front part of the foot while walking. The toes may drag on the ground, causing a high-stepping gait and increased risk of tripping.
Q: What causes Foot Drop?
A: Common causes include slipped disc/lumbar nerve compression, lumbar spinal stenosis, peroneal nerve compression or injury, peripheral neuropathy, trauma and certain brain or spinal cord conditions including stroke.
Q: What are the symptoms?
A: Difficulty lifting the foot or toes, toe dragging, frequent tripping, difficulty climbing stairs, weakness around the ankle and sometimes numbness or altered sensation.
Q: Which tests are needed for Foot Drop?
A: Diagnosis begins with a detailed neurological examination. Depending on the suspected cause, tests may include MRI of the lumbar spine or brain, EMG and nerve conduction studies, and other investigations when required.
Q: Can Foot Drop be reversed?
A: In some cases, yes. Recovery depends on the underlying cause, severity and duration. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of nerve or spinal compression can improve the chances of recovery. Some cases may require medicines, physiotherapy, a brace or surgery.
Q: When should I consult a neurosurgeon?
A: New or progressive Foot Drop should not be ignored, especially when associated with back pain, leg weakness, numbness or difficulty walking. Timely neurological evaluation is important.
Dr. Bhushan Meshram, Consultant Neurosurgeon, is available for Foot Drop, spine disorders, nerve compression, brain conditions and other neurological conditions for patients from Lalbaug, Parel, Lower Parel, Worli, Curry Road, Peddar Road, Chinchpokli, Byculla, Mumbai Central, Mahalaxmi, Dadar, South Bombay and Madanpura.
Foot Drop treatment | Neurosurgeon in South Mumbai | Spine and nerve specialist near Lalbaug, Parel, Byculla, Mumbai Central and Dadar.
Q: What is Foot Drop?
A: Foot Drop is difficulty or inability to lift the front part of the foot while walking. The toes may drag on the ground, causing a high-stepping gait and increased risk of tripping.
Q: What causes Foot Drop?
A: Common causes include slipped disc/lumbar nerve compression, lumbar spinal stenosis, peroneal nerve compression or injury, peripheral neuropathy, trauma and certain brain or spinal cord conditions including stroke.
Q: What are the symptoms?
A: Difficulty lifting the foot or toes, toe dragging, frequent tripping, difficulty climbing stairs, weakness around the ankle and sometimes numbness or altered sensation.
Q: Which tests are needed for Foot Drop?
A: Diagnosis begins with a detailed neurological examination. Depending on the suspected cause, tests may include MRI of the lumbar spine or brain, EMG and nerve conduction studies, and other investigations when required.
Q: Can Foot Drop be reversed?
A: In some cases, yes. Recovery depends on the underlying cause, severity and duration. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of nerve or spinal compression can improve the chances of recovery. Some cases may require medicines, physiotherapy, a brace or surgery.
Q: When should I consult a neurosurgeon?
A: New or progressive Foot Drop should not be ignored, especially when associated with back pain, leg weakness, numbness or difficulty walking. Timely neurological evaluation is important.
Dr. Bhushan Meshram, Consultant Neurosurgeon, is available for Foot Drop, spine disorders, nerve compression, brain conditions and other neurological conditions for patients from Lalbaug, Parel, Lower Parel, Worli, Curry Road, Peddar Road, Chinchpokli, Byculla, Mumbai Central, Mahalaxmi, Dadar, South Bombay and Madanpura.
Foot Drop treatment | Neurosurgeon in South Mumbai | Spine and nerve specialist near Lalbaug, Parel, Byculla, Mumbai Central and Dadar.
