Foot Drop and Foot Arthritis
by Gail Parkhurst
Approximately 70 million North Americans suffer from some form of arthritis.
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. But when most people talk about about it, they are usually referring to the most common form, osteoarthritis ("oster" means bone).
With a Foot Drop development, however, you can become more prone to developing some form arthritis, increasing inflammation, swelling and pain in the joint.
If you have Foot Drop, walking becomes a challenge due to the patient's inability to control the foot at the ankle. The foot may appear floppy and the patient may drag the foot and toes while walking.
Patients with foot drop usually exhibit an exaggerated or high-stepping walk called Steppage Gait or Footdrop Gait. This movement can put extra stress on other parts of the body like the hips and back.
If left unsupported, can lead to further injury to the back, hips and knees and set the stage for arthritis to set in. Each time you plant your foot on a surface, you deliver a force throughout your body equal to two and one half times your weight.
| 
