Treating Foot Drop with Nerve Stimulation: How Electricity Can Promote Recovery

Foot drop is characterized by the inability to lift the front of the foot toward the shin, known as dorsiflexion. Fortunately, there are various types of treatments that can help manage and improve foot drop such as nerve stimulation. Foot drop treatments like nerve stimulation help encourage neuroplasticity, the brain’s natural ability to rewire itself. When foot drop is caused by neurological injury such as a stroke, neuroplasticity is the key to recovery. This article will discuss how nerve stimulation can be used to treat foot drop, lower the risk of further injury, and help maximize recovery. What Causes Foot Drop? The brain is responsible...

How to Fix Curled Toes: Types, Causes, and Treatments

After a neurological injury, such as a stroke, individuals may experience curled toes. Since there are multiple causes and types of curled toes, treatments vary from person to person. Often, individuals can discover how to fix curled toes by using a combination of rehabilitation exercises, therapeutic techniques, and orthotics. This article will explore the types and causes of curled toes, as well as review methods centered on how to fix curled toes. Types of Curled Toes Curled toes refers to a condition characterized by the toes curling under the foot. Similar to the fingers, each toe has three joints, with the exception of the big...

10 Foot Drop Exercises to Get Back on Your Feet with Confidence

Foot drop is a general term for a condition resulting in difficulty lifting the front part of the foot and toes. It often results in difficulty walking, as the individual is at higher risk of falls if the foot drags or the toes get caught on the ground. Fortunately, there are ways to regain strength and mobility in the foot — and one of the best methods includes foot drop exercises. Exercises for foot drop are designed to help strengthen the lower limb muscles to improve the ability to lift the foot up again. Exercise also helps stimulate and rewire the...

How to Fix Foot Drop: Understanding the Steps Toward Recovery

To understand how to fix foot drop and promote recovery, it first helps to understand the various causes and symptoms of foot drop. Foot drop refers to the inability to lift the front part of the foot, known as ankle dorsiflexion, and is often caused by a neurological injury like stroke or TBI. Foot drop can make it difficult to walk and perform daily activities. It can also increase the risk of tripping, falling, or further injury. Fortunately, foot drop can often improve through a proper rehabilitation plan that helps activate neuroplasticity – the nervous system’s ability to naturally rewire and heal itself. Although...

A Therapist’s Guide to Finding the Perfect AFO Brace for Foot Drop

Foot drop involves difficulty lifting the front portion of the foot, a movement known as dorsiflexion. Because this can make it difficult to walk and safely navigate around, therapists often recommend using an ankle foot orthotic, or an AFO brace for foot drop. While an AFO is an excellent way to address foot drop, it is easy to become overly reliant on your brace. This can result in a slower recovery journey, or even cause further complications. In this article, you’ll learn when it’s appropriate to use an AFO brace for foot drop and what to look for as you shop around. Why...