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Foot drop (drop foot) is where it's difficult to lift or move your foot and toes. It usually affects 1 foot and can affect the way you walk.
The most common cause of foot drop is an injury to a nerve that runs down your leg and controls the muscles that lift your foot.
This can be caused by:
Foot drop can get better on its own and with treatment, but sometimes it can be permanent.
Less common causes of foot drop include:
If you have foot drop, a GP will examine your leg and foot, and look at the way you walk.
You may be referred to a specialist for more tests, such as an X-ray, ultrasound scan or CT scan, to find out what's causing your dropped foot.
How foot drop is treated depends on what's causing it and how long you've had it for.
Sometimes it can get better on its own.
Common treatments for foot drop include:
If you have permanent loss of movement from foot drop, you may have surgery to fuse the ankle and foot joints, or repair or graft the nerve.
There's a higher risk of tripping and falling if you have foot drop.
But there are some simple changes you can make to help avoid this.
wear shoes that fit well and support your feet
use a walking aid, such as a stick, if you need one
keep the floors in your home clear
remove things you could trip on in your home, such as loose rugs and electrical cables
keep your house well lit
install handrails on stairs and put glow in the dark (fluorescent) tape on the top and bottom step
