Foot drop does not prevent someone from washing independently, but it can make entering, using and leaving a bathroom more challenging.
Bathrooms combine several factors that increase falls risk:
- Wet floors
- Smooth tiles
- Confined spaces
- Changes in floor level
- Bath edges
- Shower thresholds
- Bare feet
- Reduced visibility through steam
- Turning in a small space
- Reaching for toiletries
- Standing with the eyes closed
- Towels or clothing on the floor
Foot drop adds difficulty because the front of the foot may not lift sufficiently as you step.
The toes or front of the foot may:
- Catch the shower threshold
- Catch the side of the bath
- Drag across a bathmat
- Slip as weight is transferred
- Turn inwards or outwards
- Land less accurately than expected
An ankle-foot orthosis may improve foot clearance during normal walking, but an everyday AFO should not automatically be treated as waterproof bathroom equipment.
Can You Wear an AFO in the Shower?
Only when the device is specifically suitable for wet use or your clinician has provided a safe method for protecting it.
Most everyday walking AFOs are designed to work with:
- A sock
- Supportive footwear
- A dry walking surface
- Normal standing and walking activities
They may include:
- Plastic
- Carbon fibre
- Padding
- Hook-and-loop straps
- Elastic
- Textile cuffs
- Rivets
- Adhesives
- Metal fittings
Water may affect:
- Padding
- Strap grip
- Elastic tension
- Skin friction
- Drying time
- The fit of the brace
- The condition of fastenings
NHS orthotics guidance advises cleaning an AFO using a damp sponge or cloth and drying it rather than soaking the device. Direct heat should also be avoided because it can distort the material.
Unless your AFO is specifically intended for water use, the safer assumption is that it should remain dry.
Does a Waterproof Cover Make an AFO Safe in the Shower?
A waterproof cover can protect an AFO from water, but it does not solve every bathroom-safety issue.
The Waterproof Leg Cast Cover is designed to protect casts, bandages and orthoses while bathing or showering. It uses an impermeable, flexible material and a self-sealing opening to create an airtight, watertight barrier. (orthotix.co.uk)
However, the cover does not automatically:
- Provide safe floor grip
- Stabilise the ankle
- Improve balance
- Prevent toe catching
- Make standing in the shower safe
- Make every AFO suitable for weight-bearing in water
- Replace a shower chair or grab rail
- Replace professional assessment
The outside of the cover may be wet, and wet bathroom surfaces may remain slippery.
The cover is therefore best understood as water protection, not as a walking or falls-prevention device.
When Might a Waterproof Cover Be Useful?
It may be helpful when:
- The orthosis needs to remain dry
- Removal is difficult
- A clinician has advised keeping the brace in place
- The person is washing while seated
- A cast or dressing must be protected
- The complete transfer method has already been assessed
- The cover can be applied without affecting circulation or brace position
It may be less suitable when:
- The person plans to stand unsupported
- The cover is loose
- The bathroom floor is very slippery
- The wearer cannot check the seal
- The cover changes foot placement
- The AFO already fits tightly
- The opening presses into the calf
- The person has reduced sensation
- Water exposure is prolonged
Do not use the cover for swimming or deep-water activity. The Orthotix product information describes it for bathing, showering, hydrotherapy and light water exposure rather than prolonged swimming. (orthotix.co.uk)
Is It Safer To Remove the AFO?
Often, but only after planning how you will remain safe without it.
Removing the AFO means that the original problems may immediately return, including:
- Toe dragging
- Ankle instability
- The foot turning
- Reduced knee control
- Difficulty standing
- Reduced balance
Do not remove the brace while standing.
Instead:
- Sit on a stable chair, shower seat or bath board.
- Keep the affected foot supported.
- Remove the footwear.
- Remove the AFO.
- Place it in a dry area.
- Complete washing while seated where possible.
- Dry the foot and leg thoroughly.
- Refit the sock, AFO and footwear before standing again.
The exact method should be adapted to the bathroom, your strength and whether another person is helping.
Plan the Complete Sequence Before Entering the Bathroom
Think beyond the shower itself.
Plan how you will:
- Reach the bathroom
- Open the door
- Turn on the light
- Transfer onto the seat
- Remove the AFO
- Store it somewhere dry
- Wash safely
- Reach the towel
- Dry the foot
- Inspect the skin
- Put on a dry sock
- Refit the AFO
- Put on secure footwear
- Stand
- Leave the bathroom
Many falls occur during transitions rather than during washing.
Possible difficult moments include:
- Stepping into the shower
- Turning to sit
- Standing after washing
- Reaching for a towel
- Putting trousers back on
- Walking across a damp floor
Arrange every item before beginning.
Use a Shower Seat Where Appropriate
A shower chair or fixed shower seat may reduce the need to stand on a wet surface.
It can make it easier to:
- Remove the AFO safely
- Wash the lower legs
- Maintain balance
- Avoid prolonged standing
- Dry the foot before standing
- Refit the brace
The seat should be:
- Designed for bathroom use
- Stable
- Correctly positioned
- Suitable for your weight
- High enough for safe transfers
- Free from damage
- Positioned within reach of the shower controls
Do not substitute:
- An ordinary dining chair
- A folding garden chair
- A stool without non-slip feet
- A chair with wheels
- A lightweight plastic chair not intended for showers
A proper bathroom assessment can identify whether a shower chair, bath board or another transfer aid is suitable.
Use Properly Installed Grab Rails
Grab rails can provide support when:
- Entering the shower
- Turning
- Sitting
- Standing
- Stepping over a threshold
- Transferring near the toilet
NHS falls guidance recommends considering grab rails in bathrooms.
A grab rail must be:
- Intended for body-weight support
- Firmly secured
- Positioned at the correct height
- Easy to grip
- Free from looseness
- Accessible from the transfer position
Do not rely on:
- Towel rails
- Shower-screen frames
- Radiators
- Taps
- Sinks
- Door handles
- Soap holders
These may not be designed to support body weight.
Use a Non-Slip Surface
The NHS recommends using a non-slip mat in the bath or shower as part of falls prevention.
Check that the mat:
- Is designed for wet areas
- Lies flat
- Does not curl at the edges
- Remains securely attached
- Does not create an additional trip hazard
- Is cleaned regularly
- Is replaced when worn
A loose towel is not a suitable alternative to a non-slip bath or shower mat.
Outside the wet area, use flooring that remains stable and does not slide when stepped on.
Keep the Bathroom Floor Dry
Dry:
- Splashes
- Puddles
- Condensation
- Water around the bath
- Water near the doorway
before standing or walking.
Keep a towel or suitable cleaning item within reach, but do not bend or stretch from an unstable position.
Where another person is available, ask them to dry the floor before you transfer.
Do not step onto a wet floor while wearing:
- Smooth socks
- An exposed plastic footplate
- A wet waterproof cover
- Loose slippers
Is a Walk-In Shower Safer Than a Bath?
A walk-in shower may reduce the need to step over a high bath side, but it is not automatically safe.
It may still include:
- A small threshold
- Wet flooring
- Limited space
- A sloped floor
- A difficult door
- No seat
- Poorly positioned controls
A level-access shower with:
- A suitable seat
- Grab rails
- A handheld shower
- Non-slip flooring
- Adequate room for assistance
may be easier for some people with foot drop.
The NHS lists walk-in showers, bath lifts and grab rails among home adaptations that may be recommended following an occupational-therapy assessment.
Is a Bath Safe With Foot Drop?
Getting into and out of a conventional bath may be more difficult than using a level-access shower.
It requires:
- Lifting the foot over the bath edge
- Standing on one leg temporarily
- Turning
- Lowering the body
- Rising from a low position
- Stepping back over the edge
- Managing a wet surface
Foot drop may cause the toes to catch on the bath side.
Do not attempt to step into a bath unsupported if:
- Your foot regularly catches
- The knee gives way
- Balance is reduced
- You need the AFO whenever standing
- You cannot lift the affected leg high enough
- You have fallen previously
- Both legs are weak
A bath board, bath lift or alternative shower arrangement may be safer.
What Is a Bath Board?
A bath board is placed securely across the bath and allows the person to sit before bringing the legs over the side.
A typical transfer may involve:
- Standing with your back towards the board.
- Reaching back as instructed.
- Sitting down.
- Moving backwards to a stable position.
- Bringing each leg over the bath edge while seated.
The exact technique should be taught for your abilities and bathroom layout.
Do not purchase a bath board without checking:
- Bath width
- Board compatibility
- Weight limit
- Fixing method
- Transfer height
- Whether additional rails are needed
What Is a Bath Lift?
A bath lift allows someone to transfer onto a seat near the top of the bath and then be lowered towards the bath water.
It may help when:
- The person cannot lower themselves safely
- Rising from the bottom of the bath is difficult
- Leg weakness affects transfers
- A bath is preferred to a shower
A bath lift still requires a safe method of:
- Approaching the bath
- Sitting
- Bringing the legs over the edge
- Leaving the seat
- Reapplying the AFO
An occupational therapist can determine whether it is suitable.
Ask for a Home Assessment
A free home assessment can be requested through the local council when everyday tasks or falls are a concern.
An occupational therapist may assess:
- Bathroom access
- Shower or bath transfers
- Toilet transfers
- Grab-rail position
- Seating
- Floor surfaces
- Space for a walking frame
- Lighting
- Whether another person is needed
- Larger adaptations such as a walk-in shower
NHS guidance states that local-authority assessments can recommend small or major adaptations, including grab rails, bath lifts and walk-in showers.
Do not wait for a serious fall before requesting help.
Keep Toiletries Within Easy Reach
Place frequently used items where they can be reached without:
- Standing
- Bending to the floor
- Twisting
- Stretching overhead
- Turning away from the grab rail
Consider:
- A stable shower caddy
- Wall-mounted dispensers
- A handheld shower head
- A long-handled washing aid
- Pump bottles
- A towel within seated reach
Do not place shampoo or soap on the shower floor.
Dropped soap can create a significant slip hazard.
Use a Handheld Shower Head
A handheld shower can make seated washing easier.
It may reduce the need to:
- Stand
- Turn repeatedly
- Move towards a fixed spray
- Raise the affected foot
- Reach behind the body
Make sure the hose:
- Does not wrap around the foot
- Does not cross the transfer route
- Is long enough without becoming tangled
- Is returned to a safe position
Can You Shower While Standing?
Possibly, but standing may be less safe when foot drop affects balance, foot placement or ankle stability.
Before standing in the shower, consider whether you can:
- Remain balanced without footwear
- Stand without the AFO
- Turn without catching the toes
- Close your eyes briefly while washing your face or hair
- Reach the controls
- Recover from a slip
- Step over the threshold
- Remain safe as fatigue develops
A shower seat may still be useful even when you can stand for part of the wash.
You might:
- Sit while washing the lower body
- Stand only for a brief task while holding a proper rail
- Complete most of the shower seated
The safest method should be based on your function rather than on trying to maintain a normal-looking routine.
Do Not Balance on One Leg To Wash the Foot
Standing on the unaffected leg while lifting the affected foot can create a high falls risk.
Instead:
- Sit on a suitable shower seat
- Keep both feet supported where possible
- Use a long-handled washing aid
- Ask for assistance if necessary
The stronger leg may still be affected by:
- Fatigue
- Poor balance
- Pain
- Reduced sensation
- Neurological symptoms
- A wet surface
Do not assume that one unaffected leg can safely support the complete task.
What if One Arm Is Also Weak?
Foot drop may occur after a stroke or another neurological condition that also affects an arm.
This can make it harder to:
- Hold a rail
- Operate taps
- Wash
- Dry the leg
- Open AFO fastenings
- Refit straps
- Put on socks
- Use a walking aid
A bathroom assessment should consider the complete pattern of weakness rather than only the ankle.
Possible solutions may include:
- One-handed fittings
- Lever-style taps
- Pump dispensers
- A stable seated technique
- Carer assistance
- Adapted drying equipment
- A different AFO fastening system
Do not rush AFO fitting with one hand while standing.
What if Both Feet Are Affected?
Bilateral foot drop can make standing without the braces particularly difficult.
You may need:
- A level-access shower
- A shower seat
- Assistance
- A transfer aid
- Grab rails
- A wheelchair-accessible arrangement
- A specific method for removing one brace at a time
- A dry area for refitting both devices
Do not remove both AFOs and then discover that you cannot stand or reach the walking equipment.
Practise the sequence with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist before attempting it independently.
Where Should the AFO Be Stored During Washing?
Place the brace:
- In a dry area
- Within reach
- Away from direct water
- Away from the floor where it could be stepped on
- Away from heaters or radiators
- With straps open and ready for refitting
- Beside the correct dry footwear
Do not place it:
- Inside the bath
- On a wet floor
- On the edge of a basin
- Beside a radiator
- Beneath wet towels
- Where someone could move it
- Behind the shower door
Keep left- and right-sided devices clearly separated where both legs use orthoses.
Keep a Dry Sock Ready
After washing, the skin and sock must be dry before a standard walking AFO is refitted.
A damp sock may:
- Increase friction
- Soften the skin
- Create rubbing
- Cause fabric folds
- Make the brace move
- Increase discomfort
Keep a clean, smooth sock within reach.
The sock should:
- Extend above the AFO
- Fit without wrinkles
- Avoid bulky seams
- Be appropriate for the device
NHS AFO guidance recommends wearing socks to help protect the skin.
Dry the Foot Thoroughly
Pay particular attention to:
- Between the toes
- Beneath the arch
- Around the heel
- Around both ankle bones
- The Achilles area
- Skin folds
- Areas covered by straps
Moisture trapped beneath an AFO can increase friction and skin irritation.
Do not rub fragile skin aggressively.
Pat the foot dry and inspect it before refitting the brace.
Check the Skin Before Reapplying the AFO
The bathroom provides a useful opportunity to inspect:
- Heel
- Ankle bones
- Front of the ankle
- Achilles area
- Calf
- Top of the foot
- Sides of the foot
- Toes
- Sole
Look for:
- Persistent redness
- Blisters
- Broken skin
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Darkening
- Changes in temperature
- Damp or softened skin
NHS guidance advises contacting the orthotics service if redness lasts longer than approximately 30 minutes, the skin breaks or the brace causes pain, irritation or increasing rubbing.
Do not refit the AFO over damaged skin without advice.
Take Extra Care With Diabetes or Reduced Sensation
Someone with reduced sensation may not feel:
- A hot shower
- A pressure point
- A strap that is too tight
- A blister
- An object inside the shoe
- Excessive rubbing
- A wet sock
Check water temperature with:
- The unaffected limb where sensation is reliable
- A thermometer
- Help from another person
- A thermostatically controlled shower
Inspect the skin visually after washing.
Do not use very hot water or rely on the affected foot to judge temperature.
Refit the AFO While Seated
After washing:
- Sit on a stable dry seat.
- Dry the foot and leg fully.
- Inspect the skin.
- Put on the smooth dry sock.
- Check the AFO for moisture or damage.
- Position the heel correctly.
- Fasten the straps in the normal order.
- Put on the supportive shoe.
- Secure the footwear.
- Place the walking aid within reach.
- Stand slowly.
- Pause before walking.
Do not stand on:
- A smooth sock
- The exposed AFO footplate
- A wet waterproof cover
- A loose towel
Should You Walk on a Plastic AFO Without Shoes?
Generally, no.
Many rigid AFOs rely on supportive footwear to contain the footplate and provide floor grip.
An exposed footplate may be:
- Slippery
- Unstable
- Vulnerable to damage
- Poorly controlled
- A trip hazard
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS guidance advises wearing an AFO with wide, deep footwear secured by laces or touch-close straps.
Keep the shoe within reach and put it on before standing.
Can You Wear Boxia® in the Shower?
Boxia® is a textile walking support that uses an ankle cuff, elastic traction strap and footwear or shoeless attachment.
It is not intended to be treated as a shower orthosis.
Water may affect:
- Textile grip
- Elastic behaviour
- Touch-close fastening
- Skin friction
- Cuff position
Its Shoeless Attachment is intended for appropriate use without ordinary footwear, not as water-safe bathroom footwear.
Remove and dry textile foot-drop supports unless the manufacturer or clinician has specifically confirmed wet use.
Can You Wear StepUp® in the Shower?
StepUp® can be used with or without footwear during appropriate everyday mobility, but this does not mean it is intended for showering.
The phrase “without footwear” should not be interpreted as:
- Waterproof
- Suitable for wet tiles
- Suitable for shower standing
- Suitable for bathing
- Safe to submerge
A textile support that becomes wet may move, stretch or remain damp against the skin.
Use a bathroom method that keeps the device dry unless its instructions explicitly state otherwise.
Can You Use the Boxia® Shoeless Attachment in the Bathroom?
Not as shower footwear.
The attachment can provide indoor shoeless foot-drop support on suitable clean and dry surfaces, but a wet bathroom creates different risks.
These include:
- Reduced grip
- Wet fabric
- Increased skin friction
- A slipping cuff
- Contamination
- Difficulty drying the device
Use the standard shoeless configuration only after the foot and floor are dry.
Read our guide: Can You Wear a Foot Drop Brace at Home Without Shoes?
Can You Use a Night Splint in the Shower?
No, unless it is specifically manufactured for water use.
Most night splints are intended for:
- Resting
- Sleeping
- Gentle positioning
- Non-weight-bearing use
They are not intended for standing or walking in a shower.
Do not use a non-slip marking or sole on a resting splint as evidence that it is safe for wet bathroom walking.
How Should the AFO Be Cleaned?
Follow the instructions for the exact product.
For many rigid AFOs, NHS guidance advises:
- Wiping with a damp sponge or cloth
- Using mild warm soapy water where permitted
- Towel drying
- Allowing it to dry fully
- Keeping it away from direct heat
- Inspecting straps, padding and plastic
Do not:
- Soak the AFO
- Put it in a washing machine unless specifically allowed
- Put it in a tumble dryer
- Dry it on a radiator
- Use a hairdryer
- Apply bleach or harsh chemicals
- Refit it while padding is wet
Textile products may have different washing instructions, so check their individual labels.
What if the AFO Gets Wet Accidentally?
Sit somewhere safe and remove it.
Then:
- Inspect the device.
- Remove excess water with a towel.
- Follow the cleaning and drying instructions.
- Open fastenings to allow airflow.
- Keep it away from direct heat.
- Check padding and straps.
- Do not wear it again until dry.
- Use an approved alternative mobility method if available.
Contact the supplier or orthotics service if:
- Padding remains saturated
- Adhesive separates
- Metal parts corrode
- Straps lose grip
- The plastic changes shape
- Carbon appears damaged
- The device no longer fits correctly
What if You Need the AFO To Reach the Shower Seat?
This requires a planned transfer method.
One possible arrangement may be:
- Walk to the bathroom wearing the AFO and footwear.
- Approach the stable shower seat.
- Sit down before removing anything.
- Remove the shoe and brace while seated.
- Place them in a dry accessible area.
- Wash while seated.
- Dry and refit everything before standing.
This method will not suit every bathroom.
A shower threshold, narrow doorway or fixed enclosure may require a different technique.
Ask an occupational therapist or physiotherapist to observe the actual transfer rather than practising through verbal instructions alone.
What if the Shower Seat Is Inside the Wet Area?
You may need assistance to:
- Place the brace somewhere dry
- Keep footwear out of the water
- Bring a dry towel and sock
- Dry the floor
- Retrieve the walking aid
Do not throw the brace or shoe outside the shower where they cannot be reached safely.
A wall-mounted seat, accessible shelf or helper may be required.
What if You Cannot Bend To Fit the AFO?
Difficulty reaching the foot may result from:
- Reduced hip movement
- Back pain
- Balance problems
- Weakness
- Recent surgery
- One-sided arm impairment
Possible strategies may include:
- A higher stable chair
- Long-handled shoe equipment
- One-handed fastenings
- Carer assistance
- A different AFO design
- An occupational-therapy assessment
Do not bend forwards from an unstable wet seat.
Can You Wear Slippers After the Shower?
Only when the slippers:
- Fit securely
- Have an enclosed or stable heel
- Do not slip off
- Have good grip
- Accommodate the AFO
- Do not crush the brace
- Keep the foot stable
NHS falls guidance recommends shoes or slippers that fit well, stay on the feet and provide good grip.
Loose backless slippers may be particularly unsafe on a damp floor.
Supportive shoes are usually more reliable for a rigid AFO.
Keep Clothing Clear of the Floor
After washing, wet towels, dressing gowns and pyjama legs may create hazards.
Check that:
- The towel is not beneath the foot
- The dressing-gown belt is tied securely
- Trouser legs do not trail
- Clothing does not catch the AFO
- No wet garment is left in the walking route
Get dressed while seated where possible.
Bathroom Lighting Matters
Good lighting helps you identify:
- Water on the floor
- Bath edges
- Shower thresholds
- AFO straps
- Skin marks
- Towels and clothing
- The walking aid
Use:
- A reliable main light
- Night lighting for early-morning or nighttime bathroom visits
- A switch accessible before entering
Steam should not leave the room so poorly visible that floor hazards cannot be seen.
Do Not Lock the Door When Help May Be Needed
Where falls risk is significant, consider:
- Leaving the door unlocked
- Telling someone you are showering
- Having a phone or personal alarm nearby
- Using an outward-opening or accessible door arrangement
- Having another person in the home
Keep electronic devices away from water and use only equipment intended for bathroom environments.
What if You Fall in the Bathroom?
Call 999 if you:
- May have injured your head, neck, back or hip
- Are in severe pain
- Cannot get up
- Have new weakness or loss of consciousness
Use NHS 111 when you may be injured or unwell but it is not an immediate emergency.
Do not pull yourself up using:
- A towel rail
- Radiator
- Shower screen
- Sink
- Unstable stool
Tell your GP or falls service if you fall or have repeated near misses.
A bathroom fall should prompt review of:
- Foot drop
- Balance
- AFO fit
- Transfer method
- Equipment
- Floor surface
- Medication
- Vision
- Strength
Signs Your Current Bathroom Setup Is Unsafe
Arrange assessment if:
- You balance on one leg to remove the AFO
- Your toes catch the shower threshold
- You use the sink or towel rail for support
- You cannot reach the towel while seated
- The floor remains wet when you stand
- The shower chair moves
- You cannot put the shoe back on safely
- The walking aid does not fit into the room
- You have nearly fallen
- You avoid washing because of fear
- Another person has to pull you upright
- The bath edge is becoming harder to clear
- Your condition has worsened
The goal is to preserve independence safely, not to continue with an increasingly hazardous routine.
Recommended Waterproof Protection
The Waterproof Leg Cast Cover, SKUs OSL4480 / OSL4490, is designed to protect lower-limb casts, bandages and orthotic devices from water.
Its features include:
- Airtight waterproof protection
- Flexible impermeable construction
- A self-sealing opening
- Reusable design
- Hand-washable material
- Bilateral use
- Long and Short options
- Latex-free construction
- Suitability for bathing and showering
- Protection for casts, dressings and orthoses
It should not be treated as:
- A foot drop brace
- A walking aid
- A non-slip shower shoe
- An ankle stabiliser
- A replacement for a grab rail
- A guarantee against falls
It protects the device from water; it does not replace a safe bathroom plan.
Simple Shower-Safety Checklist
Before washing, confirm that:
- You know whether the AFO should be removed
- The bathroom floor is dry
- A non-slip surface is in place
- The shower seat is stable
- Grab rails are secure
- Toiletries are within reach
- The towel is accessible
- A dry sock is ready
- The AFO and footwear have a dry storage area
- Your walking aid is accessible
- Lighting is adequate
- The route is uncluttered
- Help is available where needed
- You are not unusually tired or dizzy
- The waterproof cover fits correctly if being used
- You understand that the cover does not provide balance or guaranteed grip
Before standing after washing, confirm that:
- The foot is fully dry
- The floor is dry
- The skin has been checked
- The sock is smooth
- The AFO is correctly fitted
- The heel is seated
- Every strap lies flat
- The shoe is securely fastened
- The walking aid is in position
- You feel stable enough to stand
Can Bathing or Wearing an AFO Cure Foot Drop?
No.
An AFO assists or controls the foot while it is being worn. It does not repair the nerve, muscle, brain or spinal condition causing the weakness.
Treatment may also involve:
- Physiotherapy
- Medical investigation
- Electrical stimulation
- Treatment of nerve compression
- Management of an underlying neurological condition
- Walking aids
- Falls prevention
- Surgery in selected cases
Bathroom equipment and adaptations help make daily care safer, but they do not treat the underlying cause.
When Should Foot Drop Be Medically Reassessed?
Arrange a GP or specialist assessment if:
- Foot drop is new
- Weakness is worsening
- Both feet are affected
- Numbness is increasing
- You are falling more often
- You can no longer stand safely without the AFO
- Your knee has started giving way
- The brace is becoming less effective
- Symptoms followed surgery or injury
- You have new back or leg pain
Call 999 if sudden weakness occurs with:
- Facial drooping
- Arm weakness
- Slurred or confused speech
Seek urgent medical assessment if new leg weakness occurs with:
- Severe or worsening back pain
- Numbness around the genitals or buttocks
- Difficulty starting or controlling urination
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Rapidly worsening weakness
Do not rely on bathroom adaptations or an AFO to manage a new neurological change without medical assessment.
