WHAT IS DROP FOOT: CAUSES AND TREATMENTS

Drop foot is a weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in flexing the foot and ankle. It causes the foot to extend downward and with the slightest unevenness in the walking surface, a person can trip and fall.

The three general causes of the muscle weakness include:

1. Neurological conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), post-polio syndrome (PPS), brain or spinal cord tumors, stroke or brain injury.
2. The muscles themselves may be injured as in athletic injuries or accidents.
3. There can be a skeletal or other anatomical abnormality that affects the movement of the foot and ankle.

If drop foot cannot be treated by surgery or physical therapy, a special orthotic device that provides normal range of motion to the foot and ankle during walking is beneficial. Drop foot can be a temporary or permanent condition depending on the cause.

WHY A FLEXIBLE AND ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT IS UNIQUE

Many patients with drop foot require some type of orthotic support. The rigid plastic brace, which has been prescribed for many years and is covered by Medicare, locks the foot and ankle in place and can be uncomfortable to wear. Many women find it unsightly. In order to maintian a near normal walking gait or for rehabilitation, flexing of the foot is desired.

A revolution in drop foot support is now taking place with the introduction of the newly developed Adjust-A-Strap™ Support. Unlike many previous devices, the Adjust-A-Strap™ Support allows the patient to maintain a normal foot position throughout the day. As conditions change, the leg changes diameter as observed with a tight-fitting pair of socks, or laces lose tension. Adjust-A-Strap™ is adaptable. These contitions in most cases can be compensated for with a slight pull on the adjustable strap. It is suggested that tension can be checked or adjusted when seated with the leg in a vertical position. Adjustments can also be made while standing.

The Adjust-A-Strap™ was presented and demonstrated in June 2006 to the medical staff, including the medical director, of the orthotic division of SADMERC in Columbia, South Carolina. The merits and performance of the Adjust-A-Strap™ Support was favorably accepted and eventually assigned a Medicare billing code.

Shoes with laces, adjustable buckle straps or hook and loop closures work well with Adjust-A-Strap™ Support. If for any reason there is a problem attaching or keeping the tongue strap in place, a show repair shop can stitch the buckle strap to the tongue.