Foot drop is a condition characterized by difficulty or inability to lift the front part of the foot, leading to dragging of the toes while walking. This can result from weakness or paralysis of the muscles responsible for lifting the foot, often due to nerve injury, muscle disorders, or neurological conditions.

What causes foot drop?

Common causes include compression or injury of the peroneal nerve, neurological disorders such as stroke or multiple sclerosis, muscle disorders like muscular dystrophy, and trauma to the spine or leg.

What are the symptoms of foot drop?

Symptoms include dragging of the foot while walking, a high-stepping gait to compensate for the dragging foot, numbness or tingling in the foot, and weakness in the ankle or foot muscles.

How is foot drop diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, assessment of gait, and tests such as electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, and imaging studies like MRI to determine the underlying cause.

What treatments are available for foot drop?

Treatment options include physical therapy to strengthen muscles, use of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) or braces to support the foot, nerve stimulation, and in some cases, surgical interventions to address underlying nerve issues.

Can foot drop be cured?

The prognosis depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is treatable, such as a compressed nerve, foot drop may improve or resolve with appropriate treatment. In cases where the underlying condition is chronic or progressive, management focuses on improving mobility and quality of life.

Foot Drop & Neurological Gait Dysfunction Treatment in Perth

Foot drop — the inability to lift the front of the foot — can significantly affect your mobility, balance, and confidence. At JS Podiatry in East Perth, we provide expert assessment and management of neurological gait dysfunction, helping you walk more safely, efficiently, and comfortably.

What is Foot Drop?

Foot drop is a muscle weakness or nerve dysfunction that causes difficulty lifting the forefoot during walking. It’s often a symptom of an underlying neurological or muscular condition, not a diagnosis itself.

It can lead to:

Tripping or catching the toes

High-stepping gait or “slapping” footfalls

Increased fatigue or pain when walking

Difficulty with stairs or uneven ground

Common Causes of Foot Drop

Nerve injury or compression (e.g. peroneal nerve palsy)

Stroke or other brain injuries

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Peripheral neuropathy

Spinal surgery or disc issues

Motor neuron disease or transverse myelitis

How JS Podiatry Assesses Neurological Gait Issues

We use a combination of:

Detailed history and neurological screening

Strength and range-of-motion testing

Zebris 3D Gait & Pressure Analysis for precise movement insights

Functional assessments (balance, endurance, step clearance)

Referral for nerve conduction studies or imaging if needed

As an NDIS registered provider, we regularly collaborate with neurologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists for holistic care.

Treatment is tailored based on your needs and mobility goals. It may include:

Custom foot drop orthotics (AFOs or low-profile devices)

3D-printed orthotics for pressure redistribution

Footwear modifications or supportive footwear advice

Gait retraining and balance drills

Referral coordination with your neuro/rehab team

NDIS reporting and support letters as required

Who We Help

Adults recovering from stroke, MS or spinal surgery

NDIS participants seeking improved mobility

Elderly individuals with gait instability or falls risk

Children with neurological or neuromuscular conditions

Why Choose JS Podiatry?

🧠 Experience in complex neurogait & foot drop management

🎥 Access to Zebris 3D gait analysis in-clinic

🦶 In-house fabrication of custom orthotics and offloading devices

📝 NDIS registered – experienced with reporting and plan support

📍 Convenient East Perth location with ground-floor access

Book a Neurological Gait Assessment Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with foot drop, don't delay. The right support can significantly improve independence and reduce the risk of falls.
📅 Book online or call 08 6263 4686 to schedule your neurological gait assessment with our experienced podiatrists.

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FAQs:

Foot drop is often caused by nerve injuries, neurological conditions (like stroke or MS), or muscular weakness. It’s usually a symptom of an underlying condition.
Yes. Podiatrists play a key role in managing foot drop through gait assessment, orthotic prescription, footwear recommendations, and referrals to neurologists or rehab teams.
Gait analysis helps us measure how your foot moves during walking. At JS Podiatry, we use 3D Zebris technology to assess step length, pressure, and foot clearance — crucial for managing foot drop.
Yes, we are an NDIS registered provider and frequently supply reports, treatment plans, and support letters for access requests and plan reviews.
In many cases, yes. We provide 3D-printed orthotics or can assist with referrals for ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) if needed to help with foot clearance and gait stability.