Foot Drop Treatments for Spinal Causes
These are both surgical as well as nonsurgical treatment options for foot conditions that result in lower back pain.
Herniated Disc
You may use one or more of these methods to treat foot drop caused by a bulging or herniated disc.
- Pain-relieving medication
- Physical therapy
- Fluoroscopically guided epidural steroids injections
The disc may need to be removed surgically in order for nerve pressure relief.
Spinal Stenosis
To treat spinal nerve compression in the small bony spaces of the feet, one or more of these options is available.
- Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory medication. Ibuprofen and aspirin are also available.
- Physical therapy
- Modification of an activity
- Epidural injections
If severe bone spur compression is present (abnormal bony formations), then decompression surgery may need to be performed.
Spondylolisthesis
Foot injury can result in foot drop from compression of the spine nerve roots. A treatment that may be used to correct a misaligned vertebrae from below is:
- Physical therapy
- Epidural steroid injections
- Lumbar stabilizing brace
For severe cases, spinal fusion surgery might be necessary.
Vertebral Fractures
A brace and medication can be used to treat foot injuries and nerve damage as well as fractures of vertebrae. Sometimes, less invasive procedures such as kyphoplasty (or vertebroplasty) can be performed. In these cases, bone cement will be injected into the fractured vertex to stabilize it.
Foot Drop Treatments for Central Causes
Foot drop may be caused by brain or spinal conditions such as stroke or cerebral palsy. Treatments include:
- Brace for the ankle and foot
- Physical therapy
- Functional electrical stimulation (FES)
An electric stimulator can be used to treat foot drop by applying small amounts of electrical currents to the peripheral nerve system via electrodes. These electrodes can also be controlled wirelessly using in-shoe sensors.
Foot drop can result in mild to severe disability as well as pain. Dropped feet are usually caused by an underlying medical condition, such as a brain tumor and lower back pain. It is possible to get a good outcome depending on how severe the condition is. You should seek medical attention immediately if you suspect a fall on your feet.