Drop Foot Treatment in Goodyear, AZ
Drop foot is the inability to lift the front of your foot when you walk. It often signals a nerve or spine issue that needs prompt evaluation. Foot Envy diagnoses drop foot, provides AFO bracing and custom orthotics for safer walking, and coordinates with neurologists and spine specialists when the underlying cause needs further workup.
Dr. Craig Udall, DPM is the West Valley's specialist in lower-extremity biomechanics, which is exactly what drop foot care depends on. Same-week visits. Se habla español.
What Is Drop Foot?
Drop foot, sometimes called foot drop, is the inability to lift the front part of your foot when you walk. The toes catch on the ground. The foot slaps down with each step instead of rolling smoothly. To compensate, people with drop foot tend to lift the affected leg higher than normal, a walking pattern called steppage gait.
Trouble Walking or Keeping Your Balance?
Do you have trouble walking? Do you have balance problems? Do you stumble, catch your toes, or trip while you walk? Does your foot slap the ground, or do you find yourself lifting your foot up with your hip when you walk? Do you have to think about your steps to make sure you don't fall?
Determining the Cause of Your Walking Problems
His focus is helping those with balance problems or gait issues determine the cause and then decide what can be done to help.
Expert Gait Evaluation
Lots of people have these questions and don't know who to talk to about them. Dr Udall is an expert at gait evaluation and evaluating muscle strength in the lower extremity.
AFO Braces for Muscle Weakness
If there is muscle weakness in the feet or legs, a brace or AFO may be the tool that helps you walk better.
Thorough Drop Foot Evaluation
Dr Udall will perform a thorough exam and help determine what can be done to help.
Have you been diagnosed with Drop foot?
Dr Udall is the Valley's drop foot doctor!
If you have been diagnosed with drop foot but aren't using a brace; or if you have a brace but aren't completely satisfied with it, make an appointment to see Dr Udall so he can help you get the proper one. As a biomechanical expert, Dr Udall has found a special niche by helping those with drop foot get more stability and support with the right brace. He has spent the time and effort finding the proper drop foot AFO that truly makes a difference. Not all braces are created equally. You want a brace that has been researched and is anatomically accurate and is superior to provide maximum support. You shouldn't have to think about your gait. Call to make an appointment so you can try on the best drop foot brace available and walk better.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drop Foot
What causes drop foot most often?
Peroneal nerve compression and herniated discs are the two most common causes we see. Stroke and diabetic neuropathy are next, especially in older patients.
Can drop foot be cured?
Sometimes. If the underlying cause is treatable, such as a herniated disc, peroneal nerve compression that resolves, or a nerve injury that heals, drop foot can fully resolve. For permanent nerve damage, drop foot is usually managed long-term rather than cured.
Will I always need a brace?
That depends on the cause and how the nerve recovers. Patients with reversible causes often use a brace temporarily during recovery and then transition out of it. Patients with permanent nerve damage typically wear an AFO long-term.
What is the difference between an AFO and a custom orthotic?
An AFO supports the ankle and lifts the foot. A custom orthotic supports the inside of the foot. Many drop foot patients wear both together because each does a different job.
Does Medicare cover AFO bracing for drop foot?
Yes, in most cases. Medicare covers medically necessary AFO bracing for drop foot, along with related physical therapy. We verify your specific coverage when you call.
Does TRICARE cover AFO bracing and orthotics?
Yes, when medically necessary. We accept TRICARE patients and verify benefits before any work starts.
Does insurance cover drop foot treatment?
Yes, most major insurance plans cover medically necessary drop foot care, including the exam, AFO bracing, custom orthotics, and follow-up.
How long does it take to get a custom AFO?
About two to three weeks from the fitting visit, depending on the type. We can sometimes provide an off-the-shelf brace immediately while a custom one is being made.
Are there exercises that help drop foot?
Yes, for many patients. Specific strengthening exercises for the foot, ankle, and calf can help recover function when the underlying nerve is healing. We coordinate with physical therapy for a tailored program. We do not recommend generic exercise videos because the right exercises depend on the cause of your drop foot.
¿Habla español?
Sí. Dr. Udall y nuestro equipo hablan español con fluidez. Llame al 623-248-4734 para programar una cita.
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Other Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat
Custom Orthotics
Orthotics support your feet and relieve pain, and are the main treatment for conditions like flat feet and plantar fasciitis.
Hammer Toes
In-Office Treatment
Hammer Toes can rub on the shoe, or cause pressure on the tip of the toes, causing pain. Not to mention they can look a little funny when they're curled. Dr Udall is an expert at diagnosing, and treating hammer toes. He has mastered a simple procedure that fixes most hammer toes.
Heel Pain
(Plantar Fasciitis)
After seeing Dr Udall and getting xrays, you'll understand why your heel hurts, and feel confident that conservative treatment for plantar fasciitis works well.
Ingrown Toenails
Ready to have your toe stop hurting? When you have an ingrown toenail, you know how painful it really is. If your toe hasn't gotten better within a few days, it's not going to get better on its own.
Neuropathy
If you have neuropathy, or think you might have neuropathy, make an appointment to visit Dr. Udall to talk about it. Dr Udall is not like other doctors out there when it comes to neuropathy. He is interested in helping you understand what is going on, helping you get a proper diagnosis, and doing what is best for you. There is no one size fits all treatment for neuropathy.
Flat Feet
Flat feet are feet with a collapsed arch, which can cause pain and difficulty walking. Dr Udall performs a thorough physical exam, including weight bearing x-rays to fully evaluate the arches and look at the bones and joints. Even if you aren't having lots of pain, a thorough evaluation is important to potentially prevent future problems. Custom orthotics and proper shoes are essential for supporting your feet and reducing pain.
Diabetic Foot Care
Living with diabetes means taking extra care of your feet. Dr Udall provides gentle diabetic foot exams, nail care, callus treatment, and routine foot care to help prevent complications and keep you safely on your feet.
Elderly Foot Care
As we age, caring for our feet becomes more difficult. Dr Udall provides gentle nail care, callus treatment, and routine foot care to help seniors stay comfortable, mobile, and independent.
Foot & Ankle Pain
There are many things that cause foot pain. Feet are complicated, so you need an expert to help you sort it all out and get a proper diagnosis. Whether you have foot or ankle pain, arthritis, or an old injury, Dr Udall will take the time to get the right diagnosis, and then you'll work together on a solution that works best for you.
Book Your Drop Foot Evaluation
The first step is a real exam. Dr. Udall will check your strength and reflexes, watch you walk, identify the likely cause of your drop foot, and lay out a treatment plan that starts with the foot and ankle and brings in other specialists if needed. Most patients leave their first visit with a clear picture of what is going on and a plan to start improving daily walking.
