4 Moves to Correct Foot Drop and Anterior Tibialis Weakness

Seated Elastic Band Exercise for Foot Drop

This exercise requires an elastic resistance band. You can get one from your physical therapist, or you can buy one online or at your local sporting goods store.

Sit on the floor with your leg extended in front of you. Alternatively, you can sit on a chair with your foot propped up on another chair.

Tie a loop in your band. Attach one end to a stable object like the leg of a table or sofa, and secure the other around your foot near your toes. It may be helpful to have your lower leg resting on a small pillow so the heel of your foot does not rub on the ground.

To do the exercise:

1. Pull your toes and foot up while keeping your knee straight. Only your ankle should move as you flex your foot up
2. Pull your foot up as far as you can, hold the end position for a second or two.
3. Slowly relax back to the starting position.

Perform this exercise for 10 to 15 repetitions or until your anterior tibialis muscle tires and you can no longer flex your ankle up. Then, move on to the next exercise.

Cuff Weight Exercise for Foot Drop

A cuff weight is a padded weight that you can wrap around your foot or ankle. Start by sitting in chair and wrapping a cuff weight around your toes. Make sure it is secure. Let your foot rest on the floor,

To do the exercise:

1. Begin the exercise by sitting with your cuff weight on your foot and then flexing your ankle so your foot and toes move up towards your knee.
2. When your foot is flexed all the way up, hold the position for a couple of seconds,
3. Slowly lower your toes back down to the starting position.

Repeat the exercise for 10 to 15 repetitions.

Isometric Exercise for Foot Drop

Isometric exercise is a type of motion in which you push against an object you can't move. It is simple to do, and it can help strengthen your anterior tibialis muscle in specific ranges of motion (ROM) in your ankle.

To perform isometric anterior tibialis strengthening, follow these simple directions:

1. Sit in a chair or lie down.
2. Cross one leg over the other with your affected leg on the bottom.
3. Place your foot on top of the ankle you wish to exercise.
4. Press the top of your weak foot into the sole of your other foot. Press down with the stronger foot to resist it. Remember, no motion should occur at your ankle joint.
5. Hold this position for five seconds, and then slowly release.

Perform about 10 to 15 repetitions of the exercise, two or three times per day.

Isometric exercise can strengthen your muscles, but strength only occurs in the specific ROM in which you are exercising. That means that you should vary the position of your ankle when performing the exercise.

Seated Calf Stretch

When your anterior tibialis muscle is weak, you will not be able to fully flex your foot. This may keep your ankle in a position where your calf is shortened. A shortened calf means a tight muscle, so stretching the calf may be necessary to fully correct your foot drop.

A simple method to stretch your calf is by doing the towel calf stretch:

1. Wrap a towel around the ball of your foot, and keep your knee straight.
2. Pull the ends of the towel so your foot flexes up and stretches your calf.
3. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.
4. Relax.

Perform three to five stretches several times per day.