Medical Device Helps Patients with Foot Drop Walk With Ease

Foot Drop is a medical condition that makes walking difficult due to foot, ankle weakness

www.VirginiaProsthetics.com People who have difficulty walking because of a somewhat common medical condition known as foot drop could benefit from a new, non-surgical medical technology that's now available in the Roanoke Valley.

Roanoke-based Virginia Prosthetics Inc. is the only Roanoke-area provider currently certified to dispense the WalkAide System - a medical device that's FDA-approved for people experiencing foot drop. This condition is caused by weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in lifting the front of the foot. It makes walking a challenge, causing a person to either drag the foot and toes or engage in a high-stepping, tiring walk called steppage gait.

"Foot drop isn't a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying problem," says J. Douglas Call, C.P., President of Virginia Prosthetics, Inc. "It's often seen in patients who have suffered a stroke or spinal cord or leg injuries or in patients with multiple sclerosis. Essentially, it's an interruption of the signal from the brain to the peroneal nerve, which runs along the outside of the lower leg, below the knee. Prior to WalkAide, the only treatment options for foot drop were either surgery or an orthotic bracing device, and surgery wasn't recommended for many people."

Sharon Marron of Goodview, Va., has walked with a limp for 26 years and experiences foot drop, due in part to having multiple sclerosis. She began using the device about a month ago after being evaluated by one of Virginia Prosthetics' certified practitioners.

"With the WalkAide, I can walk without a limp - it's been wonderful," Marron says. "I actually got to dance with my son in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day, something I never thought I'd do again." Marron adds that she's so pleased with her results she's even considering taking up bowling again.

WalkAide is a small, battery-operated electrical stimulator that attaches directly to the leg with a cuff. It can be worn under clothing and is easy to take on and off. Using advanced sensor technology, WalkAide analyzes the movement of the leg and foot and sends electrical signals to the nerve that controls foot and ankle movement. These gentle electrical impulses activate the muscles to raise the foot at the appropriate time.

"In addition to being easy to use, patients benefit from the device because they're probably going to walk more often and resume a healthier level of activity and exercise as compared to when they were suffering from foot drop," Call says.

WalkAide must be prescribed by a doctor and may be covered by health insurance.