Steppage Gait Treatment in India
About Steppage Gait
Key Highlights
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Accurate diagnosis of the underlying neurological condition causing foot drop.Non-invasive initial management through physical therapy and gait training.Customized orthotic support (e.g., Ankle-Foot Orthosis) to improve walking safety and efficiency.Potential for surgical interventions to address nerve compression or perform tendon transfers in persistent cases.Holistic approach aimed at preventing falls, reducing fatigue, and improving overall quality of life.
Who is this surgery for?
- Visible foot drop where the front of the foot drags on the ground while walking.
- Weakness in the muscles that dorsiflex (lift) the ankle, often due to peroneal nerve injury.
- Underlying neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or lumbar radiculopathy.
- Peripheral neuropathies, including those from diabetes or hereditary conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
- Trauma or compression affecting the sciatic or common peroneal nerve.
- Muscle diseases (myopathies) or spinal cord disorders affecting lower limb motor control.
How to prepare
- Detailed neurological examination including assessment of muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation.
- Diagnostic tests such as Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG) to evaluate nerve and muscle function.
- Imaging studies like MRI of the lumbar spine or lower limb to identify structural causes.
- Review of complete medical history and current medications.
- Discussion of symptoms, functional limitations, and treatment goals with the neurologist.
- For potential surgical intervention, standard pre-operative assessments (blood tests, ECG) may be required.
Risks & possible complications
- For diagnostic procedures (EMG/NCS): Minor discomfort, bruising, or very rare infection at needle sites.
- For orthotic use: Skin irritation, discomfort, or muscle atrophy from prolonged dependency on the brace.
- For surgical interventions (if needed): Risks include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, blood clots, or anesthesia complications.
- Incomplete resolution of symptoms or persistent gait abnormality despite treatment.
- Risk of trips and falls if the condition is not adequately managed.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial focus is on consistent use of prescribed ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) and assistive devices if needed.
- Regular physical therapy sessions for gait retraining, muscle strengthening, and stretching exercises.
- Gradual increase in walking distance and activity as tolerated, with safety precautions to prevent falls.
- Regular follow-up with the neurologist to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan.
- For post-surgical recovery: A period of immobilization may be followed by structured rehabilitation.
- Long-term management of the underlying neurological condition is essential.
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Typical hospital stay:
0 days (outpatient for diagnosis and non-surgical management) or 1-3 days (if surgery is required)
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Expected recovery time:
Varies widely: 2-6 weeks for initial adaptation to orthotics and therapy; 3-6 months or more for full recovery post-surgery or from the underlying condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering steppage gait in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for steppage gait 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 steppage gait. 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 steppage gait compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 5 Thousand – 150 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient for diagnosis and non-surgical management) or 1-3 days (if surgery is required) | ~ Varies widely: 2-6 weeks for initial adaptation to orthotics and therapy; 3-6 months or more for full recovery post-surgery or from the underlying condition. | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 17.5 Thousand – 525 Thousand | 0 days (outpatient for diagnosis and non-surgical management) or 1-3 days (if surgery is required) | ~ Varies widely: 2-6 weeks for initial adaptation to orthotics and therapy; 3-6 months or more for full recovery post-surgery or from the underlying condition. | Know More |
Top hospitals for Steppage Gait in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing steppage gait.
Gurgaon, India
60 Doctors
Pari Nair, a 58-year-old former school...
Pari Nair, a 58-year-old former school teacher, had always been active, enjoying morning walks in her Kolkata neighborhood. Over the past year, she noticed her right foot would 'slap' down unexpectedly, causing her to trip on uneven pavements. She began dragging her toes, and her calf muscle felt weak. After a nasty fall that bruised her knee, her GP referred her to a neurologist. An EMG/NCS test confirmed a peroneal nerve palsy, likely from prolonged, unconscious leg-crossing while grading papers. The neurologist recommended gait retraining with an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) to correct the 'steppage gait', the high-stepping walk she'd developed to clear her toes. Wearing the lightweight brace felt strange and conspicuous at first, but with physical therapy, Pari relearned a normal heel-to-toe pattern. Within six weeks, her walking was stable and efficient, and the fear of falling faded. Emotionally, she transitioned from frustration and embarrassment about her clumsy walk to immense relief and regained confidence, allowing her to reclaim her cherished independence and daily walks.
Neurologists for Steppage Gait
Explore experienced neurologists who regularly perform steppage gait 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