30 Seconds of Therapy: Beat Foot Drop With AFO

Start: 1. Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs): Use ankle-foot orthoses or splints to stabilize the foot and improve gait mechanics.

2. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES): On cycle during swing phase of gait, pulse freq 40 Hz, pulse width 300μs

3. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES): Strengthening the anterior tibialis and extensor digitorum and hallucis muscles (Heel Walks, Ankle Alphabet, Towel Toe Extensions)
   

Stop: 1. Excessive Hip Movements: Flexion, circumduction, and hip hiking.

2. Knee Mechanics: Excessive flexion during swing phase or hyperextension during stance phase.
   

Why: 1. Strengthening weak dorsiflexor muscles prevents toe drag and decreases fall risk

2. Avoiding compensatory knee and hip movements will prevent elongation of ligaments of the knee and irritation of iliopsoas tendons.

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