About Foot Drop
Key Highlights
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Accurate diagnosis of the underlying neurological cause through specialized testing.Personalized, non-surgical treatment plans to improve foot function and gait.Prevention of long-term complications like muscle contractures and joint stiffness.Improved mobility, balance, and independence, reducing fall risk.Coordination of care with physical therapists and orthotists for comprehensive management.
Who is this surgery for?
- Weakness or inability to lift the foot (dorsiflexion) at the ankle.
- A high-stepping or slapping gait where the toes drag on the ground.
- Numbness or tingling on the top of the foot or shin.
- Resulting from nerve compression (e.g., peroneal nerve palsy), lumbar spine issues (e.g., herniated disc), or neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, ALS, MS).
- Following trauma or injury to the leg, knee, or sciatic nerve.
How to prepare
- Compile a complete medical history, including details of symptoms onset and any recent injuries.
- Bring any previous imaging reports (MRI, CT) or test results related to the back or legs.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to allow for a thorough physical and neurological examination of the lower limbs.
- Be prepared to discuss current medications and any existing health conditions.
- For diagnostic tests like EMG/NCS, avoid applying lotions or oils to the legs on the day of the procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- Discomfort or minor bruising at the site of needle insertion during EMG/NCS studies.
- Skin irritation or pressure sores from prolonged use of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO).
- Muscle atrophy or permanent weakness if the underlying condition is not addressed promptly.
- Falls and related injuries due to persistent gait instability.
- Development of contractures or joint stiffness in the ankle without proper rehabilitation.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate focus is on protecting the foot from dragging and preventing trips/falls, often using an AFO.
- Commitment to a prescribed physical therapy regimen to strengthen muscles, maintain range of motion, and retrain gait.
- Regular follow-up with the neurologist to monitor nerve recovery and adjust the treatment plan.
- For non-surgical management, recovery is ongoing and depends on the cause; improvement can take weeks to months.
- If a surgical referral was made (e.g., nerve decompression), post-operative recovery will involve specific restrictions and rehabilitation protocols as directed by the surgeon.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (typically outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: Varies widely; from several weeks for mild nerve compression to 6-12 months or more for significant neurological injury
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering foot drop in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for foot drop in India include KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform foot drop. MediFyr helps you compare neurologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for foot drop compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 1.5 Thousand – 25 Thousand | 0 days (typically outpatient) | ~ Varies widely; from several weeks for mild nerve compression to 6-12 months or more for significant neurological injury | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 5.25 Thousand – 87.5 Thousand | 0 days (typically outpatient) | ~ Varies widely; from several weeks for mild nerve compression to 6-12 months or more for significant neurological injury | Know More |
Top hospitals for Foot Drop in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing foot drop.
Angel Bhatia, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Angel Bhatia, a 28-year-old software engineer and avid runner, first noticed a subtle 'slapping' sound when her right foot hit the ground during her morning jogs. Over three months, this progressed to frequent tripping and an inability to lift her foot properly, forcing her to adopt an exaggerated high-stepping gait. A recent hiking fall that sprained her ankle was the final straw. Her neurologist, Dr. Chen, diagnosed a peroneal nerve palsy, likely from prolonged leg-crossing at her desk. He recommended an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) brace combined with targeted physical therapy to re-educate the muscles and prevent permanent contractures. Angel was initially devastated, fearing her running days were over. The AFO felt bulky and alien, and the PT exercises were frustratingly slow. However, after six weeks of diligent work, she regained significant dorsiflexion strength. She transitioned to a smaller, dynamic brace and can now walk confidently and has even started a cautious return to jogging on a treadmill. Emotionally, she moved from anger and grief over her lost mobility to a determined, patient acceptance. She now advocates for ergonomic workstations and sees her recovery as a testament to her resilience.
Neurologists for Foot Drop
Explore experienced neurologists who regularly perform foot drop and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 46 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 26 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 3 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 7 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida