What condition is described as the foot falling down at the ankle?

Foot drop is a condition characterized by the inability to raise the front part of the foot due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles responsible for lifting the ankle. This results in the foot falling downward at the ankle, which can lead to dragging the toes along the ground when walking. Individuals with foot drop may experience difficulty in walking and may compensate by lifting their knee higher than normal, which is often referred to as a steppage gait.

This condition can arise from various underlying issues such as nerve damage—most commonly to the peroneal nerve, which runs down the leg and controls foot dorsiflexion (the action of raising the foot). It can also be a consequence of conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, or muscular dystrophy.

Understanding foot drop is important in the context of mobility and safety, as it can increase the risk of falls due to the toe dragging. Treatment may include physical therapy, bracing, or addressing the underlying cause to improve mobility and function. Other choices, like plantar fasciitis, refer to heel pain related to inflammation of the plantar fascia, while flatfoot and high arch describe foot shapes and structural issues rather than muscular weakness at the ankle.