Foot drop (or drop foot) is a symptom of an underlying neurological, muscular, or anatomical condition that prevents a patient from lifting the front part of their foot. Those with foot drop will notice difficulty moving their foot off the ground, therefore dragging their toes as they walk. This condition can lead to an abnormal gait, frequent tripping, and long-term complications if left untreated. For medical professionals looking to treat patients with drop foot, prescribing the right Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) can be a highly effective approach to improving patient outcomes. 

Understanding Foot Drop 

Foot drop has several possible causes. It can be a symptom of peroneal nerve injuries, strokes, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, or other neurological and muscular conditions. Foot drop typically manifests as weakness or paralysis in the muscles responsible for dorsiflexion (the movement of lifting the top of the foot toward the shin). Patients with this condition often compensate for poor foot control with a steppage gait or hip hiking to avoid dragging their toes. 

To assist with foot clearance and stabilize the ankle during ambulation, foot drop braces play a crucial role in treatment plans. One of the most reliable orthotic interventions is the AFO. 

How an AFO Helps Treat Foot Drop 

An Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) is a medical device that supports and aligns the ankle and foot in order to maintain a neutral position during ambulation.

Using an AFO: 

• Prevents plantarflexion during swing phase
• Promotes heel-first contact during initial stance
• Improves mobility and overall gait symmetry
• Reduces the risk of falls
• Manages ankle and foot pain
• Facilitates functional knee and ankle joint position

An orthosis from Anatomical Concepts, Inc. can be custom-fabricated or prefabricated depending on the severity of the condition and individual patient needs. When properly prescribed, an AFO improves functional mobility and enhances quality of life. 

Highlighting the PRAFO® Ankle Foot Orthosis

One of the standout solutions for treating foot drop is our flagship product, the PRAFO® Orthosis. This orthotic device is a fully adjustable drop foot brace designed for maximum stability, pressure relief, and therapeutic control. 

The PRAFO® boot features: 

• A customizable footplate to control plantarflexion/dorsiflexion
• The allowance for optimal dorsi/plantar flexion ankle positioning to provide adequate clearance during swing phase and knee stability in stance phase
• Adjustable posterior upright to match the patient's anatomy
• Velcro® dorsal and calf straps that ensure secure, adjustable positioning and accommodate individual patient anatomies
• A fully rotatable and adjustable anti-rotation bar to control lower limb rotation
• Optional accessories that help complement secondary needs

Unlike many AFOs that are intended solely for ambulation, the PRAFO® is also ideal for non-ambulatory patients, making it especially valuable in rehabilitation settings or for patients with limited mobility. It helps maintain proper foot alignment while reducing pressure on the heel, which is an essential feature for preventing skin breakdown and managing conditions like foot drop. 

If you’re curious about the clinical research supporting the effectiveness of the PRAFO® boot, you can browse our library of case studies here. 

Clinical Considerations 

When treating foot drop with an AFO, it’s important for clinicians to evaluate a multitude of factors, such as: 

• The level of muscle weakness or paralysis
• The patient’s level of mobility (ambulatory vs. non-ambulatory) 
• The presence of spasticity or joint contractures
• Skin integrity and risk for pressure sores 

Whether medical professionals assess patients with foot drop or other lower extremity conditions, early orthotic intervention can improve patient experience and lead to better long-term outcomes. 

Conclusion

Treating foot drop requires a comprehensive, individualized approach, and selecting the right AFO is integral to that process. The PRAFO® Orthosis from Anatomical Concepts, Inc. provides clinicians a versatile, effective solution for managing foot drop in a wide range of patients (bariatric, adult, and pediatric). Whether your patient needs a foot drop brace for post-stroke rehabilitation or a drop foot brace for chronic neurological conditions, orthotics like the PRAFO® boot offer reliable support and therapeutic value.