Do you ever find yourself tripping over your toes or struggling to pick up your foot while walking?
If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with foot drop—a common challenge for many people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions. It happens when the muscles that help lift the front of your foot aren’t as strong as they should be, or when the muscles on the back of your lower leg are super tight, which can make walking feel awkward or even unsafe at times. That can lead to tripping or stumbling, and it’s no wonder if you feel frustrated or worried about falling.
By the way, have we met? Hi, I’m Dr. Gretchen, a physical therapist and MS-certified specialist. I’m passionate about helping people with MS overcome mobility challenges through targeted exercises and practical advice. Over the years, I’ve worked with thousands of clients who have successfully managed their symptoms with tailored, research-backed strategies.
I get it. It’s tough when something as simple as walking feels like a constant struggle. But you’re not alone in this. Many people with MS face similar challenges, and while foot drop can be overwhelming, it doesn’t have to take away your confidence or independence. There are ways to manage it, and with the right guidance, you can take steps toward feeling more stable and secure in your movements again.
Let’s dive into how you can address foot drop and enhance your walking ability to take back control of your everyday life.
Foot drop can occur for a number of reasons, but when it comes to Multiple Sclerosis (MS), it typically happens because the nerves responsible for controlling the muscles that lift your foot become impaired. This nerve damage affects the ability of key muscles, particularly the tibialis anterior—the muscle at the front of your shin that helps lift your toes.
Without proper strength in this muscle, you may experience your toe scuffing, foot dragging while walking, or hear a “foot slap” as your foot hits the ground. Additionally, tight muscles in the back of your lower leg (your calf muscles) can cause your toes to point downward, resulting in the same problem.
But it’s important to understand this isn’t your fault. Foot drop is a common symptom of MS, and many people living with the condition struggle with it. Another factor that contributes to foot drop can be tightness in the calf muscles or the bottom of the foot, which pulls the toes downward and makes it even harder to lift the foot properly.
Foot drop may feel frustrating, but it’s just one of the many challenges MS can present. The good news is that with the right approaches, you can work to improve your mobility and manage the symptoms more effectively.
Do you struggle with tripping or stumbling while walking?
Living with foot drop can be overwhelming. It’s not just about difficulty walking—it can affect almost every part of your daily routine. Tasks that most people take for granted, like going up and down stairs, walking on uneven surfaces, or simply moving around the house, can feel like major challenges. The constant worry about tripping or falling may even make you avoid social situations or limit your activities altogether.
But here’s the key takeaway: You don’t have to face this alone. Many people with MS experience foot drop, and with the right strategies, you can make meaningful improvements. It’s about focusing on strengthening the right muscles, improving flexibility, and practicing consistently. You can regain your confidence and take back control of your routine.
One of the most important steps to improve foot drop is to strengthen the tibialis anterior. To do this correctly, try this simple exercise:
Tight calf muscles can make foot drop worse by pulling your foot downward. To stretch them correctly, use this strategy:
Did you know that tight muscles on the bottom of your foot can also contribute to foot drop? Massaging these muscles can help relax them and improve flexibility.
Overcoming foot drop doesn’t happen overnight. It requires dedication and regular practice.
Integrating these exercises into your daily routine—even just a few minutes a day—can make a significant difference over time. Another big part of staying consistent is tracking your progress by keeping a journal or using an app to note improvements in balance and walking ability.
If foot drop or difficulty walking has been holding you back, my FREE MS-Specific Walking Webinar is designed just for you!
Whether you’ve tried physical therapy without seeing results, struggle to walk with good form, or frequently trip while walking, this 50-minute session will provide practical solutions. Plus, you'll get a 10-minute Q&A to address your concerns. Join me to gain the skills and knowledge to walk with more confidence and stability.
You don’t have to navigate foot drop alone—take proactive steps to improve your mobility today! Together, we can make progress one step at a time.
Dealing with foot drop can be challenging, but with the right exercises and a consistent approach, improvements are within reach. Don’t let foot drop dictate your mobility or confidence—commit to regular practice and stay proactive in your journey.
Your mobility matters, so let’s take steps together to improve it!
Have questions about how to take control of your foot drop treatment? Please feel free to DM me on Instagram @doctor.gretchen.
Dr. Gretchen Hawley's The MSing Link offers a comprehensive guide to taking control of your MS symptoms and improving your mobility through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
6000+ copies sold in over 13 countries!
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As a physical therapist & Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist, I have spent the last 10 years teaching people with MS how to feel more confident & empowered through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
If you want support and encouragement, plus a healthy dose of tough love, come follow me on Instagram (@doctor.gretchen) or on YouTube @DoctorGretchenHawley. It's where I share daily tips, tricks, and information about new offers — plus, you’re bound to feel more empowered, hopeful, & motivated after watching each post and video!
Questions? Email me at Hello@DoctorGretchenHawley.com
