Foot Drop Walking Assist Device

Purpose

This foot support system is designed for use on patients with foot drop from various causes including peroneal nerve, nerve root or spinal cord damage and stroke or other focal brain lesions causing leg and foot weakness.

Action

The device acts to dorsiflex the weak foot when ambulating thereby preventing the weak or paralyzed distal foot and toes from catching on objects or dragging on the ground. In addition,the spring allows flexion of the foot on forward motion creating a normal gait.

Description

The base is a strap, with Velcro® closure, which wraps around the shoe or foot at the ball area on the toe side in a chevron configuration with the point toward the arch. Attached to this strap are two side springs via an adjustable quick release buckle on the anterior surface of a Velcro® ankle cuff. The springs are adjustable to set the degree of dorsiflexion according to the amount of weakness and foot drop. The cuff has a stiffener to prevent collapse with high spring pressure. A soft foam liner helps prevent chafing of the skin although a sock or hose is recommended.