There are many different treatments for foot drop, including neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and ankle-foot orthotics that help stabilize and support the foot and ankle.
Exercise is one of your most important tools to correct foot drop caused by tibialis anterior weakness. These exercises involve specific motions that help improve the strength and function of the anterior tibialis muscle. Calf muscle stretches also help.
This article offers a step-by-step exercise plan for people struggling with foot drop. The exercises provide an ideal starting point for those who want to improve the function of a weak anterior tibialis muscle, ideally with the support of a physical therapist.
Sit on the floor with your leg extended in front of you. Alternatively, you can sit on a chair with your foot propped up on another chair.
Tie a loop in your band. Attach one end to a stable object like the leg of a table or sofa, and secure the other around your foot near your toes. It may be helpful to have your lower leg resting on a small pillow so the heel of your foot does not rub on the ground.
To do the exercise:
Pull your toes and foot up while keeping your knee straight. Only your ankle should move as you flex your foot upPull your foot up as far as you can, hold the end position for a second or two. Slowly relax back to the starting position.
Perform this exercise for 10 to 15 repetitions or until your anterior tibialis muscle tires and you can no longer flex your ankle up. Then, move on to the next exercise.
To do the exercise:
Begin the exercise by sitting with your cuff weight on your foot and then flexing your ankle so your foot and toes move up towards your knee. When your foot is flexed all the way up, hold the position for a couple of seconds,Slowly lower your toes back down to the starting position.
Repeat the exercise for 10 to 15 repetitions.
To perform isometric anterior tibialis strengthening, follow these simple directions:
Sit in a chair or lie down. Cross one leg over the other with your affected leg on the bottom. Place your foot on top of the ankle you wish to exercise. Press the top of your weak foot into the sole of your other foot. Press down with the stronger foot to resist it. Remember, no motion should occur at your ankle joint. Hold this position for five seconds, and then slowly release.
Perform about 10 to 15 repetitions of the exercise, two or three times per day.
Isometric exercise can strengthen your muscles, but strength only occurs in the specific ROM in which you are exercising. That means that you should vary the position of your ankle when performing the exercise.
A simple method to stretch your calf is by doing the towel calf stretch:
Wrap a towel around the ball of your foot, and keep your knee straight. Pull the ends of the towel so your foot flexes up and stretches your calf. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Relax.
Perform three to five stretches several times per day.
A basic at-home exercise program only requires a chair, elastic band, and cuff weights. These specialty products are easily found online or at most sporting goods stores.
A Word From Verywell
Having foot drop from tibialis anterior weakness can prevent you from walking normally and limit your ability to accomplish daily tasks. Getting started on strengthening exercises is an important way to get moving normally again.
If foot drop is seriously affecting your mobility, ask your doctor for a referral to an orthopedist who can pinpoint the cause. The specialist can also advise you if there are any problems that limit the types of exercise you should do.
