FOOT DROP (ANTERIOR COMPARTMENT DEFICIT) |
ANATOMY |
The foot and ankle dorsiflexors include the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus. These muscles help the body clear the foot during swing phase and control plantar flexion of the foot on heel strike.
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MECHANISM OF INJURY |
Foot drop is caused by weakness or paralysis of the muscles below the knee involved in lifting the front part of the foot. The underlying causes of foot drop are varied. Often, neurological, muscular and anatomical problems overlap.
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SYMPTOMS |
-Abnormal gait.
-When the person with foot drop walks, the foot slaps down onto the floor.
-Patient may use a characteristic tiptoe walk on the opposite leg, raising the thigh excessively so that their toes do not hit the floor.
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TREATMENT |
Please consult with your medical professional for a complete diagnosis and treatment plan. |
RECOMMENDED SWEDE-O PRODUCT |
Under the direction of your medical professional and in conjunction with your advised treatment plan, the following Swede-O products may be recommended: |
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The only complete solution for drop foot. The Step- Smart™ brace is not only designed for clearance during swing phase, it is also engineered to handle shock absorption at heel strike. The exclusive Jacob Joint™ pushes the foot into gentle dorsiflexion during swing phase.
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Dorsiflexors: the muscles involved in decreasing the angle between the foot and the leg, so that the toes are brought closer to the shin.
Tibialis Anterior: a muscle that originates in the upper two-thirds of the lateral surface of the tibia.
Extensor Hallucis Longus : a thin muscle, situated between the tibialis anterior and the extensor digitorum longus.
Extensor Digitorum Longus : a pennate muscle (bundle or cluster of muscle fibers) situated at the lateral part of the front of the leg. |
