If you have never been to a Daytona Chiropractors your first inclination is to think they are places where you go after a car accident. And while there are those types of clinics, there are more of them that treat pain from different things such as arthritis, cancer or other diseases and illnesses such as Foot Drop. This condition is where the muscles weaken that permit you to flex your ankle and toes.
A person with this condition will have a tendency to drag the front of their foot while they Chiropractor in Daytona FL walk, bending the knee to raise the foot in order to compensate for the dragging. The lift is higher than it is for a normal stride, creating somewhat of a high-stepping gait.
This condition affects the ankle and toe muscles that are responsible for moving those parts upward. It most specifically affects the anterior tibialis, extensor digitorium longus, and extensor halluces longus.
Foot Drop is not a disease, but a neuromuscular disorder affecting the muscles and nerves. It is often the symptom of some other underlying medical issue, usually in the lower back. If you are unable to walk on your heels, that could be an indication of having this condition.
The Characteristics
Foot drop seems to be straightforward, but it a unique and complex symptom that is seen in pain clinics all over. There are many variables that can indicate the condition is present:
• Many times, Foot Drop will often resolve on its own without any therapy or treatment in a few weeks. Sometimes, surgery is required. For instance, if the symptoms are caused by a lumbar herniated disc. Once the herniated disc is resolved, the condition is sometimes corrected. However, if the lower back condition continues, it may persist.
• There may not be any symptoms like foot or leg pain for foot drop to occur. There may be burning or tingling feelings that are indications that there is something wrong Lack of balance and difficulty walking can be indications of this condition and may be only one foot or both feet.
• A high-stepping gait, unable to walk on heels while keeping the front foot raised is common key indicators that foot drop may be present.
If foot drop is suspected, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible so that therapy or treatment in a pain clinic can begin and avoid any further possible complications. Treatment will vary dependent upon what is found to be the cause. Some treatments that are typically prescribed for foot drop are:
• Orthoses Braces and Splints: Orthoses are most often the first treatment that is tried. They stabilize the ankle and foot by keeping the dropped foot up off the ground as the person walks, creating a normal gait.
• A polypropylene ankle brace that keeps the ankle at a ninety-degree angle to prevent the foot from dropping to the ground. This brace makes it easy for the patient to walk and lessens the risk of tripping.
• Physical Therapy for many patients with this condition this will help them learn specific exercises taught by a pain clinic specialist will help the muscles that are affected by foot drop.
For patients that have a definite disturbance in their gait because of foot drop, physical therapy is necessary. This can teach the patient with foot drop how to correctly walk again so they can go on with their everyday life. If there is a lower back condition that is causing the disorder, there are non-surgical treatments that could be recommended as well.
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