Causes and Risks of Foot Drop
Coping with foot drop can be a daily challenge. Since patients experience difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, causing it to drag, simple activities can become a burden. From walking long distances to driving a car, and even, maintaining balance while standing, foot drop can put a strain on a patient’s day-to-day and quality of life.
Foot drop is a sign of an underlying neurological, muscular, or anatomical issue, and the causes of it can vary significantly. Progressive neurological disorders that affect the brain and spinal cord, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, and stroke may cause foot drop, along with chronic muscle and nerve disorders, including various forms of muscular dystrophy. However, one of the most common causes of foot drop is an injury to the peroneal nerve in the leg, resulting from certain activities.
The Thuasne Difference
We understand the varying needs of patients with foot drop and the importance of finding solutions unique to them. That’s why we offer three different performance-tested AFOs that meet a diverse range of clinical indications. The SpryStep, SpryStep Plus and SpryStep Max, all which have been independently tested to ensure a lasting durability so patients can get back to their everyday activities.
While treating a condition as complex as foot drop is never a one-size-fits-all approach, Ankle-Foot-Orthosis (AFO) are often preferred as a first line of treatment. AFOs help stabilize the ankle for a more comfortable gait and prevent the foot from dropping toward the ground when walking.
The SpryStep Solution
While foot drop can add strain to the daily lives of patients, our SpryStep prescription AFOs can help provide rehabilitation, reduced pain, and greater mobility. With 3 different variations, the Spry Step is custom fabricated for specific needs in hopes to help patients take the necessary steps toward a better quality of life.
SpryStep Original: Designed to maximize patient comfort, the proprietary fabrication and high performing composites used in the SpryStep Original create a lightweight, yet durable solution that stabilizes the foot. Through the blend of materials, patients now have the ideal integration of flexibility and stiffness during the gait cycle. Plus, since the spiral strut is uniquely positioned behind the malleoli, it increases energy return and fits better into most shoes.
SpryStep Plus: As the newest addition to the SpryStep family, this dynamic AFO incorporates a posterior lateral strut, trimmable forefoot design, and an anterior shell design for more effective dynamic reactions and durability, especially on sloped surfaces. The proprietary fabrication and anatomical padding also deliver added strength for patients with a clean, low-profile design.
SpryStep Max: The difference in the SpryStep Max can be seen in its increased dynamic response and knee stabilizing benefits. It’s designed and built to create graduated stiffness so patients can gain greater knee stability and forward progression. The anterior shell is also lined with an anatomically engineered pad featuring a recessed tibia crest relief zone for more comfort.
At Thuasne USA, we aim to help patients live a better quality of life. Medical conditions that cause foot drop can be difficult to manage on their own, it is our hope is that our AFO composite solutions help patients reach a full recovery.
