what is foot drop in realtion to M.S.?

Question

Drop foot in multiple scerolis tripping .

Answer 1

Foot drop results from difficulty or inability to bend the foot up at the ankle (dorsiflex the foot). It results in the toe dragging on the ground, and trying to avoid that by lifting the entire leg up (steppage gait) or dragging the foot out to the side (circumduction). The shoe wears out unevenly, with the toe part wearing off most.
It can result from many causes. Usually, when it happens in MS, it is associated with spasticity (stiffness, straightening the leg). If this is the case, medications and physical therapy might help.
When foot drop occurs from a cause other than MS (such as a neuropathy involving the peroneal nerve), and there is no spasticity, then a brace could be helpful.

Answer 2

Definition of Foot-drop
Foot-drop: Dropping of the front of the foot due to weakness or paralysis of the anterior muscles of the lower leg. Foot-drop results in what is called a steppage gait in which the advancing foot is lifted high in order that the toes may clear the ground. Foot drop can be due to a number of conditions including injury to the muscles that dorsiflex the foot or to the nerves to those muscles, a neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, a stroke, drug toxicity, and diabetes. Treatment may include an ankle-foot orthosis (a brace or other orthopedic device which is applied to a segment of the body for the purpose of protecting the segment or assisting in restoration or improvement of its function).
Please see the webpages for more details on Foot drop and Multiple sclerosis.

Answer 3

Here is a good resource on foot drop, its causes and treatment. You doctor should know what the underlying cause is (nerve damage or muscular weakness). He can let you know if surgery will help, or can refer you to a physical therapist who can work with you.

http://www.answers.com/topic/foot-drop