Foot drop injury is a common complication of nerve injuries in the back, hip or legs. Also called “drop foot,” it is a result of weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in lifting the front part of the foot.

Foot drop injury can be a frightening development for a person who is accustomed to being very active. It makes it hard to lift the front part of the foot, so it might drag on the floor when in walking. To compensate, one raises the thigh when walking as though climbing stairs (steppage gait), to help the foot clear the floor.