If you have nerve damage or muscle weakness affecting your ability to lift the front of your foot, this is a condition called drop foot. Several things can cause this. A few examples are if a person has had a stroke, muscular dystrophy, a never injury, or multiple sclerosis. Living with drop foot can have a serious impact on quality of life and someone’s mobility which is why they might need to see a Physio Mount Hawthorn or one closer to you for help. They can intervene so that a person can regain at least some mobility, and then enjoy their independence once more. Here is a closer look at the benefits of seeing a physiotherapist for drop foot.

Helps patients to gain muscle strength

One of the main goals a physio will help you with when you see them with drop foot is to strengthen the muscles. It focuses on resistance training and exercises that target the dorsiflexion muscles (the ones that lift the front of the foot). This means they can get more ability to control and move the affected foot and then they can regain some mobility. Exercises might include resistance band work, toe taps and ankle exercises. Every patient will have work tailored to their needs.

Improve coordination and balance with gait training

One of the problems people have with drop foot is that it changes their walking patterns and gait, and that impacts their balance and coordination. People are more likely to fall and can have injuries they have to deal with from that. A decent physio Wembley can offer personalized gait training work to correct those unusual walking patterns. People can also learn how to improve their coordination and balance to have a more natural walk and be more stable.

Help patients with assistive devices and how to use them

Sometimes patients who have drop foot need to use devices to help them such as foot drop splints or ankle foot orthoses. At a Physio Mount Hawthorn session, they can teach the patient about the best device for them and how to wear it correctly and use it so that they stay comfortable while it remains effective.

Improve the issue of pain and discomfort

Most patients with drop foot have pain issues or at the least, discomfort. Seeing a physio can help address that pain and they can help you with a pain management plan as well. Things like joint mobilization, massage and certain exercises can help improve your overall level of comfort.

Conclusion

Living with drop foot can be difficult, especially when it is impacting your daily life and giving you pain. With the help of an experienced physio Wembley you can improve your strength, balance, pain levels and gait so you gain back your independence. With a comprehensive approach it is possible to live a better quality of life when you have drop foot. At the same time if there is a specific cause for the drop foot, treating that issue will also help.