DROP FOOT EXERCISE

Specific exercises that strengthen the muscles in the foot, ankle and lower leg can help improve the symptoms of foot drop in some cases. Exercises are important for improving range of motion, preventing injury, improving balance and gait, and preventing muscle stiffness.

By being consistent about your exercises at home, you can maximize your chances of making a successful recovery from foot drop. Strengthening the weakened muscles will allow you to restore normal function and hopefully start walking normally again.

Towel Stretch
-Sit on the floor with both legs straight out in front of you.
-Loop a towel or exercise band around the affected foot and hold onto the ends with your hands.
-Pull the towel or band towards your body. Hold for 30 seconds. Then relax for 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times.


Toe to Heel Rocks
-Stand in front of a table, chair, wall, or another sturdy object you can hold onto for support.
-Rock your weight forward and rise up onto your toes. Hold this position for 5 seconds.
-Next, rock your weight backwards onto your heels and lift your toes off the ground.
-Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat the sequence 6 times.

Marble Pickup
-Sit in a chair with both feet flat on the floor.
- Place 20 marbles and a bowl on the floor in front of you.
-Using the toes of your affected foot, pick up each marble and place it in the bowl.
-Repeat until you have picked up all the marbles.

Ankle Dorsiflexion
-Sit on the floor with both legs straight out in front of you.
-Take a resistance band and anchor it to a stable chair or table leg.
-Wrap the loop of the band around the top of your affected foot.
-Slowly pull your toes towards you then return to your starting position.
-Repeat 10 times.

Plantar Flexion
-Sit on the floor with both legs straight out in front of you.
-Take a resistance band and wrap it around the bottom of your foot.
-Hold both ends in your hands. Slowly point your toes then return to your starting position.
-Repeat 10 times.

Ball Lift
-Sit in a chair with both feet flat on the floor.
-Place a small round object on the floor in front of you (about the size of a tennis ball).
-Hold the object between your feet and slowly lift it by extending your legs.
-Hold for 5 seconds then slowly lower.
-Repeat 10 times.

* Like any exercise program, please consult your healthcare professional before you begin. Please stop immediately if any of the exercises cause pain or harm to your body.