Foot Drop Treatment for Spinal Causes
Below are both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for foot drops due to lower back conditions.
Herniated Disc
One or more of these treatments may be used to treat foot drop due to a bulging disc or herniated disc.
- Pain-relieving medication
- Physical therapy
- Fluoroscopically guided epidural steroids injections
To relieve the nerve pressure, severe herniation may require the disc to be removed surgically.
Spinal Stenosis
One or more of these options are available to treat the compression of spinal nerves in the small bony openings of the feet.
- Aspirin and ibuprofen are anti-inflammatory medications.
- Physical therapy
- Modification of activity
- Epidural injections
Decompression surgery may be necessary if there is severe bone spur compression (abnormal bony formations).
Spondylolisthesis
Foot injury caused by compression of the spinal nerve roots can cause foot drop. If a vertebra is displaced from below, it may be treated with:
- Physical therapy
- Epidural steroid injections
- Lumbar stabilizing brace
In severe cases of spondylolisthesis, spinal fusion surgery may be necessary.
Vertebral Fractures
Treatments for foot injury and nerve damage, as well as fractures of the vertebrae, include medication and a brace. Sometimes, minimally invasive procedures like kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty can be done. In these cases, bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it.
Foot Drop Treatment for Central Causes
Treatments for foot drop caused by brain or spinal cord conditions, such as stroke and cerebral palsy, may include:
- Brace for the foot and ankle
- Physical therapy
- Functional electrical stimulators (FES).
An electric stimulator is used to treat foot drops by applying small amounts of electrical currents to the peripheral nervous system through electrodes. These electrodes are controlled wirelessly via in-shoe sensors.
Foot drop can cause mild to severe disability, as well as pain and other symptoms. Dropped feet are often caused by underlying medical conditions, such as a brain tumor or lower back pain. The outcome is usually good, depending on the severity of the condition. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a foot fall.