Drop foot is the result of the inability to raise the front portion of your foot. This is caused by weakness or paralysis of the muscles in your spine and legs. Drop foot can be caused by stroke, cerebral palsy, spinal stenosis, peripheral nerve disorders or spinal muscular atrophy. Drop foot can be treated with bracing or surgery. Other options for treating drop foot include therapy exercises designed to strengthen your muscles as well as maintain proper joint function in your foot and ankle. Always consult your doctor before beginning exercises with drop foot.
Plantar Fascia Stretch
A plantar fascia stretch can help strengthen the thick band of tissue that runs from your heel across the bottom of your foot to your toes. To stretch your plantar fascia, position yourself near a wall. Place the ball of your foot affected with drop foot against the wall. Your toes should also be touching the wall and your knee should remain straight. Slowly lean forward at your hips with your back in an upright position. Once you feel a stretch on the bottom of your foot, hold this position for a count of five seconds. Relax and repeat. Complete one set of 10 repetitions for the plantar fascia stretch.
Heel Raises
Heel raises can help to strengthen the front portion of your foot by placing a majority of your weight on your toes and the balls of your feet. Stand straight up with your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly raise up onto your toes. Lift your heels as far off of the ground as possible. Your should feel a stretch in the back of your lower leg. Hold this position for a count of five seconds. Relax and repeat. Complete one set of 10 repetitions of this exercise.
Ankle Pumps
Performing ankle pumps allows you to build strength and maintain flexibility and control in your ankles. Sit straight back in a chair with your feet slightly elevated off of the ground. Start with your ankles in a neutral position. Slowly bend your ankles back toward you so that you toes are coming in the direction of your body -- flexion. Hold this position for a count of five seconds. Then bring your ankles as far forward as possible so that your toes are pointing toward the ground -- extension. Hold this position for a count of five seconds. Relax and repeat. Complete one set of 10 repetitions of this exercise.
Balance Exercise
Performing a balance -- or proprioception -- exercise can help you to gain strength and control in your foot affected by drop foot. Place a pillow on the ground. Place your affected foot in the center of your pillow. Raise your unaffected leg off the ground by bending it back at your knee and raising the heel of your foot toward your buttock. Stand on your affected leg as long as possible for up to 30 seconds. Relax and repeat five times. If you need to, hold your hands out for balance or grasp the back of a chair for support.
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