Why Do My Toes Still Catch the Floor While Wearing a Foot Drop Brace?

A foot drop brace is intended to improve the clearance between the toes and the ground as the leg swings forwards.

However, an AFO cannot guarantee that the toes will clear every surface or prevent every trip. Toe catching can continue when:

• The brace is incorrectly fitted
• The heel is not secure
• A textile lifting strap is too loose
• The lifting strap is excessively tight or pulling sideways
• The brace moves during walking
• The footwear is unsuitable
• The AFO does not provide enough control
• The ankle is stiff or spastic
• The foot turns inwards or outwards
• The hip or knee does not lift the leg sufficiently
• The wearer becomes tired
• The ground is uneven
• Walking speed changes
• The underlying weakness has progressed

A suitable AFO may reduce toe catching by holding or assisting the forefoot, but the brace needs to match the person’s complete walking pattern. The NHS recognises braces and splints as possible treatments for holding the foot in a more suitable position, while NICE recommends assessing whether the AFO improves comfort, speed and ease of walking.

What Is Toe Clearance?

Toe clearance is the space between the toes and the ground while the leg swings forwards during walking.

During a normal step:

1. The foot leaves the ground.
2. The knee bends.
3. The leg moves forwards.
4. The ankle lifts or remains sufficiently controlled.
5. The toes pass above the floor.
6. The heel approaches the ground for the next step.

With foot drop, the front of the foot may remain pointed downwards. The toes can then drag or catch on:

• Flat flooring
• Rugs
• Door thresholds
• Steps
• Kerbs
• Uneven pavements
• Long grass
• Loose gravel
• Small household objects

An AFO may help by lifting or holding the forefoot, limiting excessive downward ankle movement and positioning the foot more consistently. It cannot address every other factor that contributes to a trip.

Does Continued Toe Catching Mean the Brace Is Not Working?

Not necessarily.

The support may be improving clearance without eliminating every episode.

For example, you may notice:

• Less frequent toe dragging
• Fewer scuff marks on the shoe
• A lower need to lift the knee excessively
• Easier walking on flat surfaces
• More difficulty only when tired
• Continued problems mainly on uneven ground
• Catching only when walking quickly

These changes can mean that the brace is providing some benefit but the fit, adjustment, footwear or overall treatment plan still needs reviewing.

A brace should be assessed during real walking rather than judged only by how firmly it feels while sitting.

First, Stop and Sit Down Safely

Do not adjust the brace while balancing on the affected leg.

Sit in a stable chair and check:

• The complete brace position
• The heel
• Every strap
• The sock
• The footplate
• The footwear fastening
• Any external shoe attachment
• The trouser leg
• The condition of the device

Keep your prescribed walking aid within reach before standing again.

Is the Brace Correctly Positioned?

A brace that has moved slightly may still feel tight while providing less effective foot lift.

Check whether:

• The calf section remains centred
• The ankle cuff is level
• The heel is fully seated
• The foot is centred on the footplate
• The correct left- or right-sided brace is being worn
• All straps lie flat
• No fastening has opened
• The AFO has not rotated
• The shoe attachment remains centred
• The trouser leg has not pulled the device down

Refit the brace from the beginning rather than trying to correct one component while standing.

Is the Heel Fully Back and Down?

A heel that is lifted or positioned too far forwards can alter the effective angle of a rigid AFO.

This may:

• Reduce control of plantarflexion
• Move the ankle away from the shaped part of the brace
• Allow the toes to point downwards
• Push the toes towards the front of the shoe
• Cause the brace to pull away from the calf
• Increase rubbing
• Change the effect on the knee

Bend the knee and guide the heel fully backwards and downwards before securing the ankle and calf straps.

If the heel cannot reach the intended position without considerable force, do not overtighten the brace. Ankle stiffness, calf tightness, spasticity or an unsuitable AFO angle may need assessment.

Is a Textile Lifting Strap Too Loose?

Boxia®, Boxia® Plus and similar textile supports use elastic traction to assist the front of the foot upwards.

If the strap is too loose, it may:

• Provide little dorsiflexion assistance
• Allow the toes to remain pointed downwards
• Delay the lifting action
• Hang away from the leg
• Move around the footwear attachment
• Catch on clothing

Sit down and confirm that:

• The cuff is secure
• The footwear attachment is centred
• The elastic strap is not twisted
• The connection is secure
• The strap has retained its elasticity

Increase the tension gradually rather than pulling it immediately to its shortest setting.

The Boxia system is designed to provide adjustable dorsiflexion assistance during the swing phase, but its effectiveness depends on correct cuff, strap and footwear positioning.

Can the Lifting Strap Be Too Tight?

Yes.

Excessive tension does not always produce better toe clearance.

A strap that is too tight may:

• Lift the heel inside the shoe
• Pull the cuff down
• Rotate the support
• Pull the foot inwards or outwards
• Make standing unstable
• Cause ankle pressure
• Restrict normal foot placement
• Increase fatigue
• Distort the footwear

Use the minimum tension that provides useful assistance.

If very strong traction is needed before the toes begin to clear, the support may not provide enough structural control for the severity or type of foot drop.

Is the Footwear Attachment Centred?

A shoe-connected support should normally pull upwards from a stable, central point.

An attachment positioned too far towards one side may:

• Pull the foot diagonally
• Rotate the ankle cuff
• Provide less direct dorsiflexion assistance
• Allow the toes on one side to catch
• Increase inward or outward foot movement
• Make the strap rub

Check that the attachment is:

• Secure
• Centred at the front of the footwear
• Connected to strong laces or the intended compatible component
• Free from damage
• Clear of the trouser hem

Do not attach a medical tension strap to a weak decorative lace or unsuitable shoe feature.

Has the Elastic Strap Worn Out?

Elastic components can lose strength through repeated use.

A worn traction strap may:

• Stretch further than before
• Require regular readjustment
• Provide less lift
• Feel inconsistent between steps
• Fail to return to its previous length
• Become frayed or damaged

Inspect it for:

• Loss of elasticity
• Fraying
• Damaged stitching
• Worn fastening material
• Uneven stretching
• Cracks around connectors

Replace worn components with compatible manufacturer parts rather than ordinary elastic.

Is the Calf or Ankle Cuff Slipping?

A textile support cannot maintain consistent tension if its upper anchor moves down the leg.

The cuff may slip because:

• It is too large
• The fastening is too loose
• It is fitted at the wrong height
• The material is damp
• The calf shape encourages downward movement
• The trouser leg catches it
• The lifting tension is excessive
• The fastening has worn
• The product no longer provides adequate control

Check that the cuff:

• Lies flat
• Remains level
• Does not rotate
• Does not create painful pressure
• Stays in place while the ankle moves

Do not tighten it so firmly that it causes numbness, swelling or deep pressure marks.

Is the Rigid AFO Too Flexible?

Leaf-spring AFOs are designed to provide a degree of flexibility.

A lightweight design may work well for mild flaccid foot drop but may not provide enough resistance when:

• Weakness is more pronounced
• The wearer is heavier or more active
• The ankle drops strongly into plantarflexion
• The foot turns inwards or outwards
• The AFO material has fatigued
• Walking speed has increased
• The knee also requires control

Signs that the brace may be too flexible include:

• Continued foot slap
• The toes still pointing down during swing
• The upright bending more than expected
• The brace feeling less effective than when new
• Increasing need to lift the knee
• More toe catching later in the day

Do not layer a second brace over it or attempt to stiffen it yourself.

A more reinforced or carbon-fibre design may be considered after professional assessment.

Could the AFO Be Too Rigid?

Yes.

A brace that is too rigid or not matched to the wearer can alter the walking pattern and make it harder to advance the leg.

It may contribute to:

• Reduced knee bending
• Difficulty rolling forwards over the foot
• Hip hiking
• Circumduction
• A shorter step
• Increased effort
• The toes passing close to the ground
• New knee discomfort

Brace stiffness must be matched to the person’s strength, ankle movement, knee control and goals.

More structural support is not automatically better.

Is the Footplate Sitting Correctly?

A rigid or carbon AFO footplate should lie flat and remain correctly positioned inside the shoe.

Toe clearance may be affected when the footplate:

• Is buckled
• Is squeezed by narrow footwear
• Has moved forwards
• Is too long for the shoe
• Is excessively trimmed
• Does not match the foot
• Is sitting over an uneven insole
• Is damaged

Remove the AFO and check that:

• The base of the shoe is clear
• The footplate lies flat
• The heel section reaches the rear
• No part has curled
• The sides are not being crushed
• The footplate is not cracked

Do not trim or heat it yourself unless this is an intended product feature and the alteration is completed by someone suitably qualified.

Is the Shoe Too Loose?

A loose shoe may allow the:

• Heel to lift
• Foot to slide forwards
• AFO to move
• Footplate to shift
• Toe position to change
• External attachment to pull the shoe rather than the foot

The footwear should hold the foot and brace securely as one unit.

Look for:

• An enclosed heel
• Adjustable laces or touch-close fastening
• Adequate width and depth
• A stable sole
• A secure heel counter
• Enough room without excessive movement

Backless shoes and loose slip-ons generally provide less stability for a walking AFO.

Can a Shoe Be Too Large?

Yes.

A substantially longer shoe may increase the risk of toe catching because:

• The front of the shoe projects further forwards
• The foot slides inside it
• The heel is less secure
• The wearer must clear a longer shoe
• The AFO moves within the footwear

The extra space needed for an AFO should often come from width, depth and adjustable fastening rather than unnecessary length.

Is the Shoe Too Tight?

A shoe that is too narrow or shallow can distort the brace and prevent the heel from seating.

It may:

• Squeeze the footplate
• Push the AFO forwards
• Restrict the ankle
• Prevent effective dorsiflexion assistance
• Crowd the toes
• Cause pain or numbness
• Make the wearer alter their step

Take the AFO with you when selecting footwear and assess the complete combination.

Is the Shoe Too Heavy?

Heavy footwear increases the amount of weight that must be lifted during the swing phase.

A heavy boot may make toe clearance more difficult when there is weakness at the:

• Ankle
• Knee
• Hip
• Entire affected leg

This does not mean all boots are unsuitable. Protective or supportive footwear may still be necessary.

However, if toe catching is worse in one particular pair, compare:

• Weight
• Sole thickness
• Toe shape
• Heel security
• Ankle flexibility
• Internal depth

A lighter, secure shoe may be easier to advance than a loose or unnecessarily heavy one.

Is the Sole Too Thick or Bulky?

A very thick sole increases the height that the foot must clear.

Bulky tread may also catch against:

• Rugs
• Steps
• Kerbs
• Uneven ground

The footwear still needs a stable sole, but excessively thick or protruding tread may be difficult for some people with reduced limb clearance.

Do not choose an unstable thin sole merely to reduce weight. The complete footwear should balance stability, fit, weight and ground clearance.

Is the Trouser Hem Catching?

The brace may be working correctly while the trouser hem creates the trip hazard.

Check that the trousers do not:

• Drag on the floor
• Cover the sole
• Catch beneath the heel
• Hook around an external lifting strap
• Cover the front of the shoe
• Become trapped in an AFO component

The hem should remain clear of the ground throughout the step.

Are Your Toes Catching Only on One Side?

If the inner or outer side of the forefoot catches first, the foot may also be turning:

• Inwards
• Outwards
• Onto its outer border
• Towards the opposite leg

A basic dorsiflexion-assistance strap may lift the front of the foot without adequately controlling side-to-side movement.

This can occur with:

• Inversion
• Eversion
• Ankle instability
• Unequal strap tension
• Spasticity
• Weakness in particular muscle groups
• Poor footwear control

Do not simply tighten one side without understanding why the foot is turning.

A brace with additional mediolateral control or a different strut arrangement may be required.

The Carbon Ankle Foot Orthosis includes a medial strut and built-in arch support intended to provide mild additional side-to-side control, but significant instability requires individual assessment.

Could Spasticity Be Pulling the Foot Down?

Yes.

Foot drop is not always a purely flaccid weakness.

Increased muscle tone or spasticity may pull the ankle:

• Downwards
• Inwards
• Into a stiff position
• Against the assistance provided by a soft strap

Signs may include:

• The foot becoming stiff
• Sudden involuntary movement
• The toes curling
• The ankle resisting movement
• The foot turning inwards
• Increased difficulty when walking quickly
• Symptoms worsening with effort or fatigue

Do not increase elastic tension in an attempt to overpower substantial spasticity.

A clinician may need to assess:

• Muscle tone
• Range of movement
• Brace stiffness
• Foot alignment
• Physiotherapy
• Medication or other treatment
• Whether a different AFO is required

Could the Ankle Be Too Stiff?

A brace cannot create normal swing-phase positioning if the ankle cannot reach the required range comfortably.

Restricted movement may result from:

• Calf tightness
• Achilles shortening
• Joint stiffness
• Contracture
• Spasticity
• Pain
• Swelling
• Long-term positioning

Clues include:

• The heel not reaching the bottom of the AFO
• The ankle feeling forced
• The knee bending or moving backwards when the heel is lowered
• The foot immediately returning to a downward position
• Difficulty placing the foot flat

Do not force the foot into the brace with stronger straps.

An orthotist or physiotherapist should assess the available ankle range and determine whether stretching, a different brace angle or another treatment is appropriate.

Could Toe Curling Be Causing the Problem?

The ankle may be lifted while the toes remain flexed or curled.

This can make the tips of the toes catch even when the forefoot has improved clearance.

Toe curling may be associated with:

• Increased muscle tone
• Spasticity
• Weakness
• Pain
• Poorly fitting footwear
• The foot sliding forwards
• Neurological conditions

Check whether the toes lie naturally inside the shoe and whether there is enough width, depth and length.

Do not add a thick insole or toe pad without advice, as this can reduce space and increase pressure.

Are You Catching the Front of the Shoe Rather Than Your Toes?

Sometimes the footwear catches even though the toes themselves are not dragging.

Possible causes include:

• A shoe that is too long
• A thick or protruding sole
• Loose footwear
• The heel lifting
• The shoe bending poorly
• A heavy toe section
• Insufficient knee or hip movement

Inspect where the scuff marks appear.

Marks on the upper toe of the shoe may suggest insufficient clearance, while repeated wear at the sole edge may indicate foot rotation or uneven placement.

Could Weakness at the Knee Be Reducing Clearance?

Yes.

Toe clearance depends on more than ankle dorsiflexion.

The knee needs to bend sufficiently as the leg swings forwards.

If the knee remains too straight, the foot has less room to pass above the ground.

Possible causes include:

• Quadriceps or hamstring impairment
• Spasticity
• Knee pain
• A brace that affects knee movement
• Fear of the knee giving way
• Fatigue
• A stiff-legged walking pattern

An AFO chosen only to lift the ankle may not fully address a problem involving knee control.

NICE specifically recognises that an AFO may need to address both swing-phase clearance and stance-phase ankle or knee control.

Could Hip Weakness Be Involved?

Yes.

The hip helps lift and advance the entire leg.

Hip weakness may cause:

• A shorter step
• Difficulty bringing the leg forwards
• Reduced clearance
• Dragging of the whole limb
• Circumduction
• Leaning the trunk
• Increased fatigue

The wearer may compensate by:

• Lifting the hip
• Swinging the leg outwards
• Leaning to the opposite side
• Taking shorter steps

A foot drop brace cannot replace strength or control at the hip.

Physiotherapy or a broader neurological assessment may be needed.

Does Walking Speed Affect Toe Catching?

Yes.

Some people catch their toes more when walking quickly because they have less time to position the foot.

Others catch more when walking slowly because:

• Momentum is reduced
• The leg is harder to advance
• Balance demands increase
• The step becomes shorter
• Fatigue becomes more apparent

Test the brace at a controlled, comfortable pace before attempting faster walking.

A clinician may assess its effectiveness at several walking speeds.

Why Is Toe Catching Worse Later in the Day?

Fatigue can reduce control at the:

• Ankle
• Knee
• Hip
• Trunk

Textile straps may also settle or stretch, and swelling can alter brace and footwear fit.

Later-day toe catching may be associated with:

• Neurological fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Increased spasticity
• Swelling
• Damp socks
• Looser footwear
• A slipping cuff
• A worn tension strap
• Reduced concentration
• Longer walking distances

Note when the problem occurs and take this information to your clinician.

A brace that works for five minutes in a clinic may need reassessment if it becomes ineffective during an ordinary working day.

Why Is Toe Catching Worse Outdoors?

Outdoor surfaces require greater clearance and adaptation.

Problems may be more noticeable on:

• Uneven pavements
• Gravel
• Grass
• Slopes
• Kerbs
• Broken ground
• Wet leaves
• Thick carpets
• Changes in surface height

An AFO may improve foot position without removing the need for:

• Careful pacing
• Appropriate footwear
• A walking aid
• Balance rehabilitation
• Environmental awareness

Do not assume that success on a smooth indoor floor means every outdoor surface is safe.

Why Is Toe Catching Worse on Stairs?

Stairs require more:

• Hip flexion
• Knee flexion
• Ankle clearance
• Balance
• Foot placement accuracy

A foot drop support may not provide enough clearance if the leg is not lifted sufficiently.

Use:

• A handrail
• Your prescribed walking aid
• The stair technique taught by your physiotherapist
• Adequate lighting
• Secure footwear

Do not practise stairs alone when you are already experiencing frequent toe catching or instability.

Can the Wrong Walking Aid Affect Clearance?

A walking stick, crutch or frame that is the wrong height or used incorrectly may alter:

• Posture
• Step length
• Weight transfer
• Timing
• Balance
• Foot clearance

Do not change or stop using a prescribed aid simply because you have started wearing an AFO.

A physiotherapist can assess how the brace and walking aid work together.

Could the Brace Be Damaged?

Inspect rigid and carbon AFOs for:

• Cracks
• White stress marks
• Splintering
• Delamination
• A warped footplate
• Loose rivets
• Worn straps
• Compressed padding

Inspect textile supports for:

• Stretched elastic
• Frayed straps
• Weak touch-close fastening
• Damaged hooks
• Loose stitching
• Peeling grip material

A damaged or fatigued brace may provide less assistance even when it still looks wearable at first glance.

Do not continue using a cracked or structurally damaged AFO until it has been assessed.

Has Your Foot Drop Become Worse?

A brace that previously provided reliable clearance may become less effective if the underlying weakness progresses.

Seek review if you notice:

• More toe dragging
• Greater difficulty lifting the foot without the brace
• Weakness spreading up the leg
• New numbness
• Both feet becoming affected
• More frequent falls
• New knee instability
• A rapid change in walking
• New back or leg symptoms

Do not assume that the solution is simply a stronger brace.

A change in neurological function should be medically assessed.

Could the Brace Be the Wrong Type?

Different AFOs provide different levels and directions of control.

Soft textile supports

These primarily provide dynamic upward assistance and may suit some flaccid foot-drop presentations.

They may be insufficient for:

• Significant ankle instability
• Strong plantarflexion
• Spasticity
• Fixed restriction
• Severe weakness
• Substantial side-to-side movement

Leaf-spring plastic AFOs

These provide more structured dorsiflexion assistance but differ in stiffness and control.

Carbon-fibre AFOs

These may offer lightweight structural support and dynamic energy return.

Rigid, hinged or custom-made AFOs

These may be required where the ankle, foot and knee need more specific control.

The correct design depends on the complete assessment rather than a single symptom.

Would a Carbon AFO Help?

A carbon AFO may be considered when a wearer needs more structured dorsiflexion assistance and dynamic support than a basic soft lifting strap can provide.

The Orthotix Carbon Ankle Foot Orthosis, SKU CAFO, uses pre-loaded carbon fibre designed to:

• Provide consistent dorsiflexion support
• Limit excessive plantarflexion
• Store energy during stance
• Release energy during toe-off
• Assist forward progression
• Provide mild mediolateral support
• Remain lightweight inside suitable footwear

It is available in Small, Medium and Large, with separate left- and right-foot versions, and it does not contain latex.

It will not automatically solve toe catching caused by:

• Significant hip weakness
• Insufficient knee bending
• Fixed ankle restriction
• Severe spasticity
• Unsafe footwear
• Balance impairment
• A progressing neurological condition

Professional assessment remains important before changing to a more structured AFO.

Could Functional Electrical Stimulation Be an Alternative?

Functional electrical stimulation, often shortened to FES, uses electrical signals to stimulate the nerves and muscles involved in lifting the foot.

It may be considered for some people with foot drop of central neurological origin, such as following stroke, multiple sclerosis or certain spinal cord conditions.

It is not suitable for every cause of foot drop and requires specialist assessment.

The NHS lists electrical stimulation among possible treatments, while NICE has guidance concerning FES for drop foot of central neurological origin.

Do not purchase or apply an electrical stimulation device without appropriate clinical guidance.

Should You Increase Your Step Height Deliberately?

Do not exaggerate your step without professional advice.

Some people naturally compensate for foot drop by lifting the knee and hip higher. This can help clear the floor but may also:

• Increase effort
• Cause fatigue
• Affect balance
• Produce hip or back discomfort
• Become difficult to sustain

A physiotherapist may teach a safer walking pattern based on your strength, brace and balance.

Can Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapy may address factors that an AFO cannot manage alone, including:

• Strength
• Flexibility
• Balance
• Walking technique
• Knee control
• Hip control
• Endurance
• Safe use of walking aids

The NHS includes physiotherapy among the common treatments for foot drop, depending on its cause.

Exercises should be selected for the individual rather than copied without assessment, particularly where spasticity, nerve damage or spinal symptoms are present.

Do Not Keep Tightening the Brace

Increasing strap tension without checking the cause may lead to:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Skin damage
• Heel lift
• Cuff movement
• Foot rotation
• Restricted circulation
• Increased instability

The aim is controlled foot clearance, not maximum compression.

Do Not Modify the AFO Yourself

Avoid:

• Heating plastic
• Bending carbon
• Cutting structural components
• Drilling new holes
• Adding household elastic
• Gluing in foam
• Shortening straps with knots
• Changing the footplate angle
• Adding an unauthorised heel lift
• Filing edges

An alteration may affect the ankle, knee, posture and pressure distribution.

Contact the supplier or an orthotist when adjustment is needed.

When Should the Brace Be Reviewed?

Arrange a professional review when:

• The toes repeatedly catch
• The brace previously worked but has become less effective
• You need excessive strap tension
• The heel will not stay seated
• The foot turns inwards or outwards
• The brace moves
• Walking feels less stable
• You are tripping more often
• The knee feels different
• The foot or leg has become weaker
• The device is worn or damaged
• You cannot find suitable footwear
• Spasticity or stiffness is increasing
• Both feet are affected

Take your usual brace, socks, footwear and walking aid to the appointment.

If possible, explain:

• Where the toes catch
• When it happens
• Whether it worsens with fatigue
• Whether it occurs indoors or outdoors
• Whether the inner or outer shoe edge catches
• Whether you have fallen
• Whether the weakness has changed

A Simple Toe-Catching Troubleshooting Check

Before walking again, confirm that:

• You have the correct brace and side
• The heel is fully seated
• The foot is centred
• The sock is smooth
• The cuff is level
• No strap is twisted
• Textile tension is sufficient but not excessive
• The footwear attachment is centred
• The footplate lies flat
• The shoe is the correct length
• The shoe has adequate width and depth
• The shoe fastening is secure
• The heel counter is stable
• The sole is not unnecessarily heavy or bulky
• The trouser hem is clear of the floor
• The brace is not damaged
• The foot is not turning strongly inwards or outwards
• Toe clearance improves over several controlled steps
• The knee and hip feel stable
• There is no pain, numbness or skin damage

Recommended Structured Carbon AFO

The Carbon Ankle Foot Orthosis, SKU CAFO, is a premium lightweight AFO designed for foot drop, dorsiflexion weakness and suitable cases of mild mediolateral instability.

Its features include:

• Pre-loaded carbon-fibre construction
• Continuous dorsiflexion support
• Limitation of excessive plantarflexion
• Energy storage during stance
• Energy release during toe-off
• Assistance with forward propulsion
• A medial strut
• Built-in arch support
• A lightweight, low-profile design
• Trimmable Small, Medium and Large sizes
• Separate left- and right-foot variants
• Latex-free construction

The design may be considered where more structured support and energy return are required than a basic textile foot-lifting device provides.

It must still be used with suitable footwear and selected according to the wearer’s complete gait, ankle range, knee control and neurological presentation.

Can an AFO Guarantee That You Will Not Trip?

No.

An AFO may reduce toe catching when poor swing-phase clearance is an important cause of tripping.

Falls may still be influenced by:

• Balance
• Sensation
• Vision
• Dizziness
• Hip or knee weakness
• Medication
• Fatigue
• Unsafe footwear
• Environmental hazards
• Attention and reaction speed

A persistent falls problem requires a broader assessment rather than relying on a brace alone.

Can 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
• Treatment of nerve compression
• Functional electrical stimulation
• Management of an underlying condition
• Walking aids
• Falls prevention
• Surgery in selected cases

The likely treatment and outlook depend on why the foot drop developed.

When Should Foot Drop Be Medically Assessed?

Arrange a GP appointment if you find it difficult to lift the front of your foot or toes, particularly when the weakness is new, worsening or unexplained.

Seek further assessment if:

• Both feet are affected
• Numbness is increasing
• Weakness is spreading
• You are falling more frequently
• Your brace has become less effective
• Symptoms followed an injury or operation
• 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 foot or leg weakness occurs with:

• Severe or worsening back pain
• Numbness around the genitals, buttocks or back passage
• Difficulty starting or controlling urination
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Rapidly worsening weakness

Do not rely on stronger brace tension to manage a new or progressive neurological change.