Drop Foot
A gait abnormality characterised by the inability to lift the front part of the foot during the swing phase of walking, typically managed with an AFO.
Full Definition
Drop foot (also written as 'foot drop') results from weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the forefoot, most commonly due to peroneal nerve damage, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury. Clinically, it produces a high-stepping or dragging gait and significantly increases fall risk. Orthotic management typically involves an AFO to maintain the foot in a neutral position during swing phase. Editors should note that both 'drop foot' and 'foot drop' are widely used in clinical literature; house style should standardise one form. It is not hyphenated when used as a noun.
Usage
Usage note: Both 'drop foot' and 'foot drop' are acceptable; standardise within a document. Do not hyphenate when used as a noun. Do not conflate with 'equinus', which describes fixed plantarflexion contracture.
In Context
- "The patient presented with left-sided drop foot following a common peroneal nerve injury." — Orthotic referral letter
- "The editor standardised all instances of 'foot drop' to 'drop foot' in accordance with the department's style guide." — Clinical document proofreading