Wrist Drop | Foot Drop
Wrist drop and foot drop are neurological symptoms that occur when the nerves or muscles responsible for lifting the wrist, hand, foot or toes are not functioning normally. Although they affect different parts of the body, both conditions can result from nerve compression, nerve injury, muscle weakness or an underlying neurological disorder. Symptoms may include weakness, reduced movement, altered sensation and difficulty performing normal daily activities such as gripping, walking or maintaining balance. A neurological assessment, often supported by Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and EMG testing, can help identify the location and cause of the problem and guide appropriate treatment and management.
Wrist drop, also known as radial nerve palsy, is a condition in which a person has difficulty extending the wrist and fingers. The wrist may hang downward because the muscles responsible for lifting the hand are not receiving the normal nerve signals needed for movement.
Wrist extension depends on the muscles and tendons in the forearm working together with the radial nerve. If the nerve, muscles or tendons are damaged or compressed, wrist drop may occur.
Possible causes include:
- Compression or injury to the radial nerve
- Repetitive pressure along the course of the nerve
- Prolonged use of crutches
- Sleeping or resting with the upper arm compressed for an extended period
- Fractures or other injuries near the radial nerve
- Bone spurs or other structural causes affecting the nerve
Diagnosing Wrist Drop
Diagnosis usually involves a neurological examination to assess wrist, finger and thumb movement, muscle strength and sensation.
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) may be used to identify and assess radial nerve dysfunction. Other investigations such as X-rays or MRI may sometimes be recommended where a structural cause, fracture or other form of nerve compression is suspected.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. Management may include wrist splinting, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and treatment of the underlying nerve injury or compression. In selected cases, further specialist or surgical assessment may be required.
Foot drop is a condition in which a person has difficulty lifting the front of the foot and toes upward. It is generally a symptom of an underlying nerve, muscle, spinal cord or neurological problem rather than a disease itself.
Foot drop may result from weakness, irritation or damage affecting the nerves or muscles responsible for lifting the foot. It may affect one or both feet and can be temporary or persistent depending on the underlying cause.
Common Signs of Foot Drop
People with foot drop may:
- Drag their toes while walking
- Have difficulty lifting the front of the foot
- Lift the knee higher than usual when walking
- Develop a high-stepping or steppage gait
- Experience weakness in the ankle or lower leg
- Have difficulty walking on their heels
Foot drop can be associated with a range of neurological and neuromuscular conditions, including peripheral nerve injury, stroke, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis and other conditions affecting the nerves, muscles or spinal cord.
Diagnosing Foot Drop
Assessment generally begins with a physical and neurological examination to evaluate muscle strength, movement and walking.
Further investigations may include:
- Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)
- Electromyography (EMG)
- MRI
- Other imaging where required
These investigations can help determine where the nerve or muscle problem is located and identify the underlying cause of the foot drop.
Treatment depends on the cause and may include physiotherapy, exercise, braces or orthoses, treatment of the underlying neurological or structural condition and, in selected cases, surgical intervention.
If you are experiencing wrist drop, foot drop, limb weakness or possible nerve damage, Synapse Neurology provides specialist neurological assessment and diagnostic testing.
To arrange a consultation with Dr Debo Gorai, contact Synapse Neurology on (03) 8582 6945.
To book a neurological consultation, follow the link below: