The human foot is a complex and robust mechanism with over 8,000 nerves and 100 muscles, 26 bones, and 33 joints, as well as tendons and ligaments. It’s no surprise that three-quarters of all Americans develop painful foot ailments in their lifetime.
One of the most common injuries is known as foot drop or drop foot – where people cannot lift their foot or ankle because of paralysis or weakness of the tibialis anterior muscle, which raises the foot. It can be temporary or permanent.
What causes foot drop?
People who suffer from the injury tend to drag their toes or must raise their knees to lift their foot higher, so it doesn’t drag on the ground. There are several causes, including:
- Injury to the peroneal nerve, which is connected to the sciatic nerve
- Degenerative conditions to the lumbar spine, such as disc herniation and spinal stenosis
- Incorrectly done surgeries
Everyday work activities can increase the risks
While foot drop can result from traumatic injuries, such as those caused by a slip-and-fall accident at work, or damage to the knee, simple efforts, such as crossing your legs or kneeling for extended periods can compress the peroneal nerve and increase the risks to develop the condition. People in office jobs or skilled trades are frequent sufferers.
Foot drop and workers’ compensation claims
Many of these people may not know that they can file workers’ compensation claims as foot drop is often the result of their working conditions. Anyone injured on the job has the right to seek benefits. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney here in Illinois can help you get the condition diagnosed and will aggressively fight for the benefits you deserve.