New York State Medical Treatment Guidelines
for Foot Drop in workers compensation patients

The New York State workers compensation board has developed these guidelines to help physicians, podiatrists, and other healthcare professionals provide appropriate treatment for Foot Drop.

These Workers Compensation Board guidelines are intended to assist healthcare professionals in making decisions regarding the appropriate level of care for their patients with ankle and foot disorders.

The guidelines are not a substitute for clinical judgement or professional experience. The ultimate decision regarding care must be made by the patient in consultation with his or her healthcare provider.

Foot Drop

Foot drop is an irregular walking pattern brought on by a weakness in the dorsiflexion strength of the affected lower extremity. Foot drop may result from any condition that affects muscle strength, but it is most frequently brought on by a number of central and peripheral nervous system illnesses. Most frequently, foot drop results in an irregular walking pattern because the weak side’s ankle cannot dorsiflex voluntarily.

After ipsilateral leg damage, the sudden start of foot drop may be a symptom of compartment syndrome. Because there is a chance that severe, long-lasting deficits will result from acute foot drop, these instances are urgent, if not emergencies.

Acute trauma followed by lower leg pain and foot drop could indicate compartment syndrome, one of the urgent surgical reasons for foot drop.

Diagnostic Studies for Foot Drop in workers compensation patients

MRI of the brain, spinal cord, and/or peripheral regions, as well as electrodiagnostic examinations of the peripheral nerves, are the diagnostic tests used most frequently to identify the reason for foot drop.

Diagnostic Studies for Diagnosis of Foot Drop

Diagnostic Studies for Diagnosis of Foot Drop is recommended for information on diagnostic imaging and testing procedures (see General Principles A.12 – Foot Drop).

Rehabilitation for Foot Drop

Rehab (supervised formal therapy) needed after a work-related injury should be concentrated on regaining the functional ability needed to meet the patient’s daily and work obligations and enable them to return to work, with the goal of returning the injured worker to their pre-injury status to the extent that is practical.

Active therapy calls for the patient to put in an internal effort to finish a particular activity or assignment. The procedures known as passive therapy rely on modalities that are administered by a therapist rather than the patient exerting any effort on their side.

Passive therapies are typically seen as a way to speed up an active therapy programme and achieve concurrently objective functional gains. Over passive interventions, active initiatives should be prioritised. interventions.

To sustain improvement levels, the patient should be advised to continue both active and passive therapies at home as an extension of the therapeutic process.

One further step that can be taken is using assistive technology. included into the treatment strategy to promote functional improvements.

1. Taping for Treatment of Foot Drop

   Taping for Treatment of Foot Drop is not recommended in order to treat foot drop. Braces are typically used to treat foot drop, which is the basis for the recommendation.

    

2. Ankle-foot Orthotics for Treatment of Foot Drop

   Ankle-foot Orthotics for Treatment of Foot Drop is recommended Evidence for the Use of Taping

What our office can do if you have Foot Drop due to your workers compensation injuries

We have the experience to help you with their workers compensation injuries. We understand what you are going through and will meet your medical needs and follow the guidelines set by the New York State Workers Compensation Board.

We understand the importance of your workers compensation cases. Let us help you navigate through the maze of dealing with the workers compensation insurance company and your employer.

We understand that this is a stressful time for you and your family. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us so we will do everything we can to make it as easy on you as possible.