For many people with multiple sclerosis, MS drop foot is an unexpected hurdle. The toes don’t lift as they should, causing the foot to drag or catch on uneven ground. What used to be an easy walk can suddenly feel awkward or exhausting — not because the muscles have vanished, but because the signal telling them to lift has become scrambled.
MS drop foot occurs when demyelination affects the nerves that control ankle movement. The result is weakness in the muscles that raise the front of the foot, making it harder to clear each step. It’s a small mechanical change with a big impact on balance and confidence.
There are practical ways forward. Physiotherapy can retrain movement; ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) or functional electrical stimulation (FES) devices can restore rhythm and reduce strain. Above all, pacing and patience matter — walking may look different, but it remains possible.
Living with MS drop foot is about adaptation, not defeat. Each careful step is proof that mobility isn’t just measured in distance — it’s measured in determination.
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Learn how MS drop foot affects walking and balance, and discover practical ways to regain confidence one step at a time.
