Ankle circles
Move the ankle slowly in circles both ways.
- 10 each way
- 4 times a day
Should feel: The ankle loosening Should not feel: Sharp pain
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Foot drop: exercises and care
Foot & ankle · Foot drop (peroneal nerve palsy)
How to use this sheet. A pressed nerve often takes weeks to months to recover. Until it does, the exercises keep the ankle supple and the calf from tightening, and the splint and care steps keep the foot safe. Do them every day.
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Calf stretch, knee straight
Hands on a wall, the weak leg behind and straight, heel down.
- Hold 30 seconds
- 3 times
Should feel: A stretch in the upper calf Should not feel: Pain in the heel
Sitting heel and toe raises
Sit with both feet flat on the floor. Lift the heels, lower them, then lift the toes.
- 10 times
- 3 times a day
Should feel: The calf and the front of the shin working Should not feel: Sharp pain
Wearing the foot-drop splint
Put the splint on sitting down, with the heel right back in it and the strap snug, inside a shoe with a closed back. Wear it whenever you are on your feet, and at night too if we have advised.
- Every time
- Before walking
Should feel: The toes no longer catching the floor Should not feel: Rubbing, or a red mark that does not fade — tell us
Check the skin of the foot every day
Take the splint off and look at the whole foot, especially the heel, the ankle bones and the top of the foot. The top of the foot may be numb, so you may not feel a sore starting. Use a mirror or ask someone to look.
- Every day
- Takes 2 minutes
Should feel: Skin that is clean and unbroken Should not feel: A red mark that does not fade, a blister or a sore
Keep pressure off the nerve at the knee
This nerve runs just below the outer side of the knee. Do not sit with your legs crossed, and do not rest the outer side of the knee on anything hard. Sit on a chair with both feet flat on the floor. Lying on your side, keep a pillow between the knees. Avoid squatting, sitting on the floor or using an Indian toilet until we have told you it is safe.
- All day
- Every day
Should feel: Less pressure on the outer side of the knee Should not feel: Tingling at the outer knee or on the top of the foot
Prevent falls at home
Wear the splint and a shoe with a back, not loose chappals. Keep the floor clear of loose mats, wires and water, keep a light on at night, and hold the rail on stairs. Take extra care on a wet bathroom floor. Do not ride a two-wheeler or drive until we agree.
- Always
Should feel: Steady, safe steps Should not feel: Tripping or catching the toes — tell us
Stop and telephone us if
- The foot or leg is getting weaker, or the weakness is spreading — come the same day
- A plaster or bandage on the leg feels tight — come back at once, do not wait until the next day
- Weakness in both feet, numbness between the legs, or trouble passing urine — go to the nearest hospital
- A sore, blister or broken skin on the foot or under the splint
- A fall
- The foot is no stronger at all after 6 to 12 weeks
Ready when you are.
Call either clinic during consulting hours, or send a WhatsApp message any time.