ORTHOPAEDICS • GUWAHATI

Foot Drop in Guwahati

Get back your normal movement

Dr. Firoz Ahmed, MS Orthopaedics

Updated: May 2026

Leading Joint Replacement Surgeon
Pioneer in Orthobiologics in North East
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Trusted by patients across Guwahati, Assam, and North East India.

What is Foot Drop?

Foot drop is a condition where a person is unable to lift the front part of the foot properly. This makes walking difficult and often causes the toes to drag on the ground.

Most patients don’t use medical terminology. They typically describe it as:

“My foot feels weak”
“I keep tripping while walking”
“I have to lift my leg higher to walk”

Foot drop is not a disease, it is a clinical sign of an underlying problem, usually involving nerves or muscles.

Suffering From Foot Drop?

Consult with an expert in Guwahati for accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment.

Causes of Foot Drop

Foot drop occurs when the muscles that lift the foot are not working properly. This is usually due to a problem in the nerves, spine, brain, or muscles.

Peroneal Nerve Injury (Most Common)

Injury or compression of the nerve around the knee, often due to trauma, fractures, tight plaster/casts, or prolonged pressure.

Spinal Causes

Conditions like slip disc (lumbar disc herniation) can compress nerves in the lower back and cause weakness in the foot.

Brain and Neurological Conditions

Stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease can affect nerve signals controlling foot movement.

Muscle Disorders

Diseases like muscular dystrophy weaken the muscles responsible for lifting the foot.

Diabetes-Related Nerve Damage

Long-standing diabetes can damage peripheral nerves, leading to foot weakness.

Not all foot drop is the same. Identifying the exact cause is critical for proper treatment and recovery.

What are the Symptoms of Foot Drop?

Foot drop usually presents as a noticeable change in the way you walk. Common symptoms include:

- Difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, causing the toes to drag
- High stepping gait (lifting the leg higher than normal to avoid tripping)
- Frequent tripping, especially on flat surfaces or stairs
- Weakness or numbness in the foot or lower leg
- Slapping sound of the foot while walking

“Sudden change in walking pattern or frequent tripping may indicate an underlying nerve problem — do not ignore it.” — Dr Firoz Ahmed

How is Foot Drop Diagnosed?

Clinical Examination
Muscle strength testing
Walking pattern (gait analysis)
Imaging Tests
MRI of spine
X-ray
Nerve Tests
EMG (Electromyography)
Nerve conduction studies

Treatment Options For Foot Drop

Physiotherapy

Strengthening exercises
Gait training
Improves mobility and balance

Braces

Keeps foot in proper position
Prevents dragging
Helps in walking safely

Medications

For pain and symptoms

Treatment of underlying cause

Spine treatment
Diabetes control
Stroke rehabilitation

Surgery (If needed)

Nerve decompression
Tendon transfer surgery

“Most of the patients improve without surgery.” — Dr Firoz Ahmed

Foot Drop Surgery: Tendon Transfer Procedure

What is Tendon Transfer Surgery?

Tendon transfer is a procedure where a working tendon from another muscle is repositioned to take over the function of weak or paralyzed muscles.

Most commonly, the posterior tibial tendon is transferred to help restore foot lifting.

Who Needs This Surgery?

Foot drop present for more than 6-12 months
No expected nerve recovery
Permanent muscle weakness
Difficulty walking despite braces

Benefits

Improves ability to lift the foot
Reduces dependence on braces
Improves walking pattern
Better mobility and confidence

Recovery After Surgery

Initial immobilization in cast
Gradual physiotherapy
Muscle retraining
Most patients improve significantly within 2-3 months.

Is the Surgery successful?

This surgery has a good success rate when performed in properly selected patients.

Nerve surgery vs Tendon Transfer

Nerve surgery – useful early
Tendon transfer – better for long-standing cases

Proper patient selection is key. Timing determines whether nerve surgery or tendon transfer will give the best result.

Can Foot Drop Be Cured?

Yes, many cases improve with early treatment.

- Depends on cause
- Severity of nerve damage
- Timely treatment

When Should You See A Doctor?

Sudden foot weakness
Difficulty walking
Frequent tripping
Numbness in leg

FAQs

Is Foot Drop permanent?

No. Many patients can recover.

How long does recovery take?

Weeks to months depending the the case.

Can Physiotherapy cure Foot Drop?

It definitely helps. But cannot cure all cases.

Is surgery always required?

No. Only in selected cases.

Can Diabetes cause Foot Drop?

Yes, it can.

Medical review by Dr Firoz Ahmed, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics) – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Guwahati.

Last Updated: Apr 2026

Medical Disclaimer:

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. A detailed clinical evaluation and appropriate investigations are necessary before deciding suitability for any treatment. Individual results may vary and cannot be guaranteed. Please consult a qualified orthopaedic specialist for personalised guidance.

To read Full Disclaimer, click here

Dr Firoz Ahmed
Joint Replacement, Sports Injury Specialist and Joint Preservation Surgeon

OPD: Mon–Sat | 9 AM – 4 PM
Location: ARHI Hospital, Jorabat (near Guwahati, Khanapara)

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