What is Dropfoot?
Dropfoot of central neurological origin is a condition which reduces the use and function of the foot.
Dropfoot is caused by a neurological condition affecting the central nervous system resulting in weakness or paralysis of the leg muscles used to raise the foot. It can be caused by conditions such as: stroke, multiple sclerosis, incomplete paralysis or due to injury through acquired and traumatic brain injury. Dropfoot can occur at any age.
Symptoms
Dropfoot has implications for a person's ability to walk
People with Dropfoot may walk using compensatory movements such as hip circumduction (swinging their leg from the hip outwards) to clear the floor and avoid dragging their foot on the ground. After each step because of the lack of control lowering the foot to the floor their foot may ‘slap’ the floor after each step as the lack of active dorsiflexion (foot lift) and reduced control prevents heel strike when a step is taken. Walking with Dropfoot can therefore be uncomfortable and require considerably more effort.
The impact of these symptoms can lead to reduced functional independence in some or many areas of everyday life.
Management
By utilising FES, we have been able to provide a unique solution to many of the difficulties presented by Dropfoot.
FES – Functional Electrical Stimulation
Functional Electrical Stimulation works by using a neuromuscular stimulation unit to send electrical impulses to inactive nerves in the body in order to stimulate the affected muscles and enhance their function.
Products
The DMO e-step uses a hybrid neuromuscular stimulation unit which is incorporated into the highly successful DMO Dorsiflex Sock. It combines stimulation with ankle support and proprioception to provide a more natural walking pattern.
What is Dropfoot?
Dropfoot of central neurological origin is a condition which reduces the use and function of the foot.
Dropfoot is caused by a neurological condition affecting the central nervous system resulting in weakness or paralysis of the leg muscles used to raise the foot. It can be caused by conditions such as; stroke, multiple sclerosis, incomplete paralysis or due to injury through acquired and traumatic brain injury. Dropfoot can occur at any age.
Symptoms
Dropfoot has implications for a person's ability to walk
People with Dropfoot may walk using compensatory movements such as hip circumduction (swinging their leg from the hip outwards) to clear the floor and avoid dragging their foot on the ground. After each step because of the lack of control lowering the foot to the floor their foot may ‘slap’ the floor after each step as the lack of active dorsiflexion (foot lift) and reduced control prevents heel strike when a step is taken. Walking with Dropfoot can therefore be uncomfortable and require considerably more effort.
The impact of these symptoms can lead to reduced functional independence in some or many areas of everyday life.
Management
By utilising FES, we have been able to provide a unique solution to many of the difficulties presented by Dropfoot.
FES – Functional Electrical Stimulation
Functional Electrical Stimulation works by using a neuromuscular stimulation unit to send electrical impulses to inactive nerves in the body in order to stimulate the affected muscles and enhance their function.
Products
The DMO e-step uses a hybrid neuromuscular stimulation unit which is incorporated into the highly successful DMO Dorsiflex Sock. It combines stimulation with ankle support and proprioception to provide a more natural walking pattern.
