8 Exercises for Foot Drop | Doctor and Physio Led Rehab

In this video Dr O'Donovan (medical doctor) and Ella Boys (physiotherapist) guide you through 8 exercises to help with foot drop.

Foot drop (drop foot) is where it's difficult to lift or move your foot and toes. It usually affects 1 foot and can affect the way you walk.

What causes foot drop?

Foot drop has several possible causes, typically due to an issue with your nerves and/or muscles. The most common causes are lumbar radiculopathy and peroneal nerve injury. Other causes include: Brain conditions, motor neuron conditions, peripheral neuropathies and muscle conditions.

Top tips if you have foot drop (according to the NHS):

See your healthcare provider for a proper assessment if you think you might have foot drop.

1. Use a walking aid, such as a stick, if you need one
2. Keep the floors in your home clear
3. Remove things you could trip on in your home, such as loose rugs and electrical cables
4. Keep your house well-lit
5. Install handrails on stairs

Content and timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
00:31 - Exercise 1 Ankle dorsiflexion
01:00 - Exercise 2 Ankle Adduction and Abduction
01:33 - Exercise 3 Assisted Dorsiflexion
02:05 - Exercise 4 Toe Raise Negatives
02:30 - Exercise 5 Heel raises
02:53 - Exercise 6 Ankle Eversion
03:17 - Exercise 7 Ankle Inversion
03:39 - Exercise 8 Single leg stance

**Website resources**

NHS information on foot drop (UK): https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/foot-drop/

Cleveland Clinic information (USA): https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17814-foot-drop

Resistance band purchase links:

The equipment you will require for these exercises are exercise bands which you can purchase here:

UK Amazon long resistance bands: https://amzn.to/3QYAYkP

Link to Ella's page: https://www.instagram.com/ella.physio.fit/

Music credit: https://www.epidemicsound.com

Video made: April 2025

DISCLAIMER: If you are uncertain about any of these exercises, always speak to your own health provider or physiotherapist first. This video is intended as a general educational resource only and should never replace individual advice given to you by your own provider.

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Disclaimer:

The video is intended as an educational resource only. The information within this video or on this channel isn't designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O’Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O’Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published. This is an EDUCATIONAL video. Images are used in accordance with fair use guidelines.

Legal information:

Content provided via YouTube is for general information purposes ONLY. Information videos are not produced to provide individualised medical advice. Medical education videos on Doctor O'Donovan are not a substitute for professional professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. NEVER ignore professional medical advice because of something you have heard here. ALWAYS consult your doctor regarding any concerns about your condition or treatment.

Видео 8 Exercises for Foot Drop | Doctor and Physio Led Rehab канала Doctor O'Donovan