Foot Drop

Question 1

What group of muscles are weak in foot drop?

Answer 1

Foot dorsiflexors

Question 2

Causes of foot drop

Answer 2

common peroneal nerve lesion (MOST COMMON)
sciatic nerve lesion
superficial or deep peroneal nerve lesion
L5 radiculopathy
central nerve lesions (e.g. stroke)

Question 3

What can cause a common peroneal nerve lesion?

Answer 3

• May be caused by certain positions such as leg crossing, squatting or kneeling
• Baker’s cysts
• plaster casts to the lower leg

Question 4

Reflexes will be normal if a patient has an isolated peroneal neuropathy. TRUE/FALSE?

Answer 4

TRUE

Question 5

What examination sign may indicate the foot drop is due to an L5 radiculopathy?

Answer 5

weakness of hip abduction is suggestive of a L5 radiculopathy

Question 6

Treatment of peroneal neuropathy causing foot drop

Answer 6

• conservative
• AVOID Leg crossing, squatting and kneeling