Drop Foot-Best Exercises to Walk Normal Again Plus a New Technique. 

I suffered from an injury resulting in drop foot earlier this year. I was absolutely devastated and was feeling hopeless as I am an avid athlete. You two helped me teach myself how to walk again and now I'm back to running, jumping and crossfit. I didn't know if it was possible and can never thank you enough for giving me hope in a dark time. I have so much gratitude for you both and for the work you do to help others!!! You helped me more then I can ever say!! Thank you!!!!

Yes, this video is only about support. Some time ago I was diagnosed with foot drop. With no advise from my doctor and without seeing this video (or any other info) I tried my own exercise. What I thought of, was standing on my toes (to strengthen those muscles) and supporting my balance by holding on to the wall, like up on my toes and down again...slowly up and down. I did this about three times a day for about 5 minutes each. Within a couple of weeks it was completely gone, never had the problem again, and that was a few years back.

I have MS (diagnosed 1995). no big deal until I had an infection in 2007 left me with a weak right leg. You have hit the nail on the head regarding the foot-drop-weak ankle-hyperflexion of the knee-hip flexion issue. Has taken 12 years of seeing professional physiologists/neuro physiotherapist/remedial yoga...to identify these issues that you are addressing in this very video! BRILLIANT advice and I'll let you know how I respond to this exercise. Heart-felt THANK-YOU Brad & Bob.

Diagnosed with GBS in 2021. During my time in the hospital the PT gave me a “boot” to wear to prevent the foot drop. So, thankful for that. A lot of GBS survivors experience foot drop. Thank you for these helpful exercises.

I love Bob and Brad. Hope Bob is doing well. This is now my issue and I just met a PT that didn't have a clue why it had happened or what to do, so that's why I'm here to fix myself...

Thank you so much for your generosity in making/posting these videos! I discovered you just yesterday and will try many of your knee recommendations!

Idk if you gentlemen read these, but thank you so very much for making this video. I suffered a severe TBI n stroke 3 years ago prior to going to prison. Having been out of prison for a year now and going to a physical therapist which has since expired due to COVID (I'm working on it), my PT's never showed me this so I'm very happy and excited to let yall know that, while it has only been one day, this really works! Like legitimately I can feel the difference already. Just wanted to let yall know how grateful I am to yall Bob and Brad. Here's to yall becoming "the most famous physical therapist's on the internet". I know I'm gonna push yalls videos for sure. Take care fellas. - JT

Hi, great videos - I'm from London, UK - and your no-nonsense advice is great. For nearly 20 years after a RTA, and a second stroke, this advice was never given to me! I saw a lot of physiotherapists and not once was it mentioned that I have a foot drop. I regularly fell over, and my body tightened up with any activity. Now I'm nearly 50, but honestly your videos make so much sense, and I'm so happy you're doing what you do! Keep up the great work.

I used this a few weeks ago, it was useful and easy to set up during my home health visit. Thx for covering this method on video. (I'm a P.T., too)

Thank you so much. I know someone who suffers and struggles with drop foot. I can't wait to share this video with them!!!

Thank you very much Bob and Brad for this video. It's so helpful.

You two are really excellent... too good... always very genuine, helpful... thanks so much...

You are amazing, guys. I am from Leeds in the UK and in February this year I had a brostrom ligament repair on my ankle. I was supposed to start physio but the country went into a lockdown due to the coronavirus and my physio sessions were cancelled. My ankle was really weak when I took off the walking boot and I was really worried. I have since used your exercises daily and I am walking normally now. Still no physio, clueless government, rampant virus but my ankle is doing fine. Thank you guys, you have saved me from a disability.

Yes I’m new and you two are a blessing Thank you so much I had 2 spine surgeries due to a fatty tumor on my spine It effect only my right side knee down I have a drop foot and these videos are helping me much

Thank you very much for the creative ideas you're presenting here. Having been diagnosed with scapulo-peroneal dystrophy in 1994, I've managed to live a rather unimpaired life so far, yet the degeneration of muscles in predominantly my right leg (but also the shoulders and trunk) through the last 5-10 years bereaved me of the ability to run and today even walk properly and securely. In fact, falling has occurred several times this year and I shall see an orthotist soon to see whether one of these appliances you show may be of help. I've just tried your suggestions with the elastic band in my flat and had for the first time for ages the experience of walking properly again! Though I know that with muscular dystrophy nothing else than a gradual deterioration is to be expected trying to cope with the disability is what I strive for. Next week I shall demonstrate the Thera-Band exercises/methods to my physical therapist! For sure, these kind of videos will benefit many patients and let them find relief! Please keep up the good work!

Thank you so much for what you are doing.

Thank you so much for this video, I find it very useful!

I experienced a stroke in 2009 and spent a lot of money on electronic device but this exercise band work better for me in my rehab. I appreciate you sharing thank you very much

Thank you for all of your videos ❤️ You guys have helped me so much! I really appreciate you❤️

keep up the great work guys! this video is way better than the foot drop one from 2014! i'm a massage therapy student in my second year and these videos are a fantastic resource, much appreciated :D

I swear you guys give me hope. After watching, I always feel empowered. 💪🏽

I had THR in June of 2022 and came out with drop foot. But am encouraged it will get better with time and proper exercises from Bob and Brad. I need the other hip replaced, but having to wait on foot to wake up. It can be discouraging, but am hopeful. The hip is great, very happy about that. Thanks for all your help.

I have footdrop on both feet. I have fallen multiple times, even in traffic close to the zebra pad ( I walk a lot) i still have a few scares on my legs. But I believe good things are coming my way. I do the exercises with faith and believing that Jesus Christ will heal me also.

Love you guys! Thank you for your nice nuggets of wisdom about strengthening and stretching the muscles affected by foot drop. I've had foot drop after hip surgery for a few years and your physical therapy exercise advice is the best I've seen so far dealing with this problem. I never knew how many different muscles and parts of the leg were involved in footdrop. I tried a few of your foot exercises and stretches and it all feels really good.

Hello from Vietnam! I'm an American teaching English here, and found your channel two months ago by serendipity. My dentist thought I had TMJ pain and I looked on line for exercises to help, so came across your video on the topic The dental problem turned out to be pulpitis and required a root canal, but in the meantime I realized how much I could learn by watching your channel. I whiled away the hours with a bag of ice on my jaw watching your videos on back pain, sleeping position, knee pain, posture, you name it. It has all been good. Have recommended your videos to many teachers here because we don't have easy access to quality physical therapy. These days I am studying your video on the morning routine for people with back pain, very helpful. Please keep up the good work. It is very much appreciated!

Amazing video! Keep them up! Amazing tips.

Thank you both. I was diagnosed with MS. This has been helpful

That’s the video I like the best. Your invention with the elastic is absolutely very SMART. I am a patient who had a very serious stroke 12 years ago . I am hémiplégique. So That’s why I am following all the exercises you put on internet and I try them every day. You make me happy because I am getting more and more strength every day.🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭

This video was very helpful thank you so much!!

Another great video guys, very helpful and informative 😊😊

Recent stroke recipient, just a couple days ago. I love you guys thank you for making these videos.

Thanks for the tips. I don't have very bad drop foot, worse going down the stairs, but I do get foot drag especially when I'm fatigued. Will definitely be doing the exercises, said before your advice has been a god send to me!

I love this.... Thank you guys Can u make another for a stroke survivor with one hand use doing their own rehab.

Felt happy seeing and following ur,exercises online

Great video and very helpful ideas.

Excellent exercise that's what I am looking for thanks

Very informative. Thank-you!

Omg I've been having this walking issue a few weeks now. I assumed it might be a issue with my Achilles but after listening to the symptoms of it I'm convinced this may be what it is cause the exact description is things I'm currently experiencing I'm going to see my doctor about. Thank you guys I will also be trying these treatments

I agree to all positive comments, thank you May God Bless You!

Had a mini Stoke 3 weeks ago. Felt hopless. Cry everyday moved to Va. with family. Saw your video love it Thank Your

this sounds great, 3 years ago I had my uterus was "pinned up" and was on the OR table longer than they planned, and now I have drop foot, I hope this will help. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

Love you guys.so helpful.thanks😍

I am from the UK and suffered foot drop after a hip replacement just over 3 years ago. My nerve conduction tests are very encouraging and I am having more movement. However I have muscle wastage and need to strengthen them and my Achilles’ tendon. I am hopeful for a full recovery. I have had very little advice and just told to wait until the nerve regenerates. I am fed up with it all now but after watching this video I feel very encouraged and with little or no cost can do a lot to improve things. Thank you so much.

My husband has his first and major stroke in early 1997, 21+ years ago. I wish we had been taught these things back then! What a change might have been if we had. Thank you, and we'll see what progress we can possibly make now, with some more minor strokes that have increased weakness and instability. Blessings!

Thank you, I will try this exercise

TY you've shared so much more than my PT

great explanation about causes...so complex but you break it down....mine is from sciatic i think...led to 5th metatarsal fracture

Great ideas. Thanks for sharing 😊

Thank you for encouragement

Very creative, thank you

I remain hopeful, and will try this. I had a bad stroke in '07, when I lost my right Carotid artery with its associated brain to a plaque related stroke. Altho the foot drop was there right after the stroke, in a year or two, I was walking independently-even outdoors, using a cane. I had many falls while walking due to the foot drop, quite sure. Finally, two years ago, a fall broke my right hip. I have had to use a walker since. I can walk without it, but will often fall. Falling is risky for me as I am 73 and take blood thinners. This is the first exercise I have ever seen for foot drop.My foot does the toe stubbing thing and also swivels 180 and points to the left, causing me to drag it. I will be doing these and will post of any improvement. Thanks,

I have had foot drop for a few years I also have a herniated disc that is bulging, diabetes I am so glad that I found you two guys I’m going to try the new product that you suggested because I have that old foot drop device and it hurts real bad when I am walking if my feet start to swell I can feel it in my Left hip but I know also I need to start doing the exercises to help strengthen the muscles my hamstring muscles on that leg are also weak to but thanks again U2 guys are a godsend

Thx for sharing

Very helpful…going to try the long theraband on leg for a couple patients (outpatient Neuro) tomorrow!!

Thanks again for sharing

Love watching your videos. Can't thank you enough. I have got 2 suggestion ( not that i am complaining!). 1. Voice quality. 2. may be the title with short date or something when you introduce new technique ? Thanks Very much ! lots of love xx !

I have a drop foot caused by M.S. my knee jerks and buckle .I do have movement and I have movent . is your exercise also for the condition I've mentioned.

I had a plateau tibia fracture on my right leg. No surgery. I was on crutches and some walker for about 10 weeks or so before trying to walk. I had another MRI as progress wasn't being made when I started to walk. I was put back on crutches for three weeks. Dr said I had a lateral meniscus tear on outside of right knee (never had pain there) and a bruised knee from frequent PT exercises and weights. Since then I watched RU-vid, and can walk pretty much normal as I stopped weights, reduced pain, and did a slow recovery on my own. Holding handrails while going down stairs, and my left (good) leg drops on the next step. This gets better, then worse right after exercise. Not for sure if I need to increase strength in right knee or if left knee is weak from taking on so much weight while in crutches. I'm doing swim exercises to quicken reflexes, stretch, and increase strength evenly on both legs. Limping is 95% gone. Need help on how to get down stairs better. Going up stairs needs more strength, but not as bad as going down stairs. Thanks.

Thanks for putting very good videos for solving various health issues. I have always found them to be very helpful. Just wanted to add that the tendency for a foot to drop suddenly may not have anything to do with the muscle strength in that foot: it may be because of the other foot. For example, my left foot drops suddenly after I have touched the ground with the heel of that foot. There is nothing wrong with that foot. The problem is a low toe strength in the right foot (due to a nerve damage). As part of the normal gait, as the weight shifts to the right foot toes, the right foot toes suddenly collapse, causing a sudden shift of weight to the left side making the left foot toes go down fast.

I have drop foot but can’t move it slightly but these exercises look good so I’ll try them out

Thx Bob + Brad ... valuable info indeed ;)

This is great! I have foot drop in my left foot due to a herniated disc between L4&L5. I also have Spondylolisthesis in the same area. Currently working on gaining more movement and muscle strength in that left leg and foot. This video has given me some new techniques that I am definitely going to try. I just ordered some theraband hoping that will help,so this video came at the right time👍🏻 I just love all your videos, so helpful and informative. Thank you for taking the time to make them! It is appreciated.

Thank you for your video on foot drop. My husband recently had a stroke and is in the midst of recovering. So great to have your excellent instruction and advice. Looking forward to seeing more videos.

Just want to thank you both. I’m caring for an 81 yr old woman I’m afraid never got the physical therapy she needed after a him replacement. THANK YOU.

My fault. I wasn't aware you were running an in-house practice. As a retired case managing nurse, I totally understand. And because I made a simple mistake, I now intend to follow you faithfully, because your generosity in sharing knowledge and techniques we MS patients can (and really, should be) using, I'm going to go forward armed with a greatly improved arsenal of information and support. My apologies for my unprofessional blunder. Thanks again, happy holdidaze!

Guys, this video is one of the best video I have ever seen. Everything is on it for me. Thank you, teachers Bob and Brad🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭

Great opening quote!👍

I have foot drop from a stretched sciatic nerve. Thank you for this video.

Thank you so so much, I had a back operation, and since then foot dropping. But could not go for therapy afterwards, I will most definitely try these exercises. Thank you once again.

I like your videos, since long i m watching them I have bot a pt with foot drop , due to lumbar stenosis, has multiple back surgeries, bjt the strength of foot has not improved, this pt has tried EMS , bracing , acupuncture, electrical dry needling, and lots of different types of exercise training, strteching and strengthening, but his dorsiflexors are still in Grade 2. He also did EMG,NCS studies, were all normal , i dont know , whatelse he could try

Very informative vedio thnx alot

Great tips you guys. I've been trying to improve my drop foot for what, 6 years now?

I have had some relief from spasticity from botox injections in the calf and quad muscles. It as relaxed those muscles enough that I can build up my hamstring and the front of my lower leg.

This video is too good Amazing.may help patient Thank you very much.

Thanks for having subtitles. I love you two! Admiration from a random deafie x

Man I love u guys.ivr been a sub but 1st time I'm seeing this one Great vid!! Thank you guys for all u do!!!

Awesome video bob and Brad can I used the Stretch band out side when I am doing work around the house?

Can you make a video about management for CVA (Cerebellar) with involuntary foot and hand movement for balance and walking. And also eom exercises for diplopia. Thanks.

Thankj you guys for this video. I find it very helpful. I have Small Fiber Neuropathy in both feet which caused a mild form of foot drop causing me to fall many times. I hope this helps along with the Saebo foot brace that I ordered.

WORKS FOR ME FELL OVER MY CAT HURT MY FOOT THIS EXCERCISES HELPED ME SO MUCH ♥️

Thanks guys, i got a pinched nerve in my left knee. Im also drinking grape juice, and taking alpha lipoic acid, in case there is any nerve damage. It been a little over a week and im starting to get movement in my toes again. Btw, wall stretches work too.

It's a very good job

Really this is helpful

I just watched your video and it was very informative. I have MS and need therapy. You have shown me how to do my own. Thank you

Thank you.

I think I forgot to say thank you for the video thank you so much

So glad I came across this video! I've experienced foot drop for almost 10 years and have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis since 2014. It has got worse within the last year severely and have had to wear an AFO brace but I want to get strong and be functional again. Thank you both for this. Amanda,28 from somewhere near Houston,Texas

Thanks a lot 🙏🏻

You guys are great. I suffered a stroke a year ago and ended up with leftbside paraliysis. Your videos have helped me work at home to futther help my recovery. My left arm has been the most difficult

Good job.

In Oct 2022 after a hip surgery, I have been w a numb foot causing foot drop. Last night I tried ur first exercise , w the cane. I was amazed at the fact that for 20 sec I was able to hold my foot up w that exercise. I was so excited and surprised. Thank u very much for ur info. I have Dr s, pain management, physical therapy etc and I never knew what the both of u taught me in one night w one try. U seriously have given me hope back, and a happier look at my future. ❤

Had a stroke 1.5 month a ago and my PT definitely not helping. Thank you for the great ideas to help my drop foot!! Is really love to not walk like this anymore!!

I would like, if you made a video on how to train and stretch the piriformis muscle effectively.

Living with foot drop since 2013 a year after right knee meniscus surgery. Applied the toe/keen band after watching your video and got instant results. I could walk with a normal gate. My concern is circulation restriction under the knee. Can you recommend a daily routine use for the toe/keen band. Thanks Bill

great info gents

Great videos thanks ..am looking for some advice about walking again in a moonboot after 4 weeks non weight bearing on crutches..can you help me please ???

Although the removal of a cyst from my L3-L4 a year ago was successful, I had to have a right hip replacement in August. I awoke with severe nerve pain in my entire leg, a horrible burning sensation and severe foot drop. I spent two weeks in intensive physical therapy which got me back to walking with a walker and able to go home (by myself). Pain was alleviated by gabapenton and did not return. I had 4 weeks of home care therapy and some e-stim but since I couldn't drive, could not continue out therapy due to distance and schedules. I kept up with my exercises and now walk fairly well with a velcro foot-up brace and cane and now have some ability to raise the foot with the brace on, not so much without it. I am slowly noting feeling return in the lower leg and outer foot (upper thigh returned quickly). My problem is that sometimes my foot still wants to roll even with the brace (I found the plastic things useless especially to put on by myself and it required new larger shoes.) Indeed I fell when my walker wobbled and threw me off balance and it rolled. Only a small bruise on my right hip but foot felt a little sprained. I found this video very helpful and am adding two additional exercises from it to my routine. I am going to subscribe because I like the straight forward tell it like it is and I found the info very helpful. Thank you

Great video, and I'm sure it will help with my MS drop foot that is getting better now that I'm not using that helpful brace that did all the work for me. This DIY version with the tape already in my home seems quite promising! Thank you again!

I have had a drop (right) foot since 2011 after my initial back surgery. It finally started doing better with exercise & I used a medium heel shoe to wear all the time. It forced me to keep that foot in the up position, plust made me concentrate on my walking. After a while, it wasn't an issue at all. I was dancing (jitterbug) in those same heels. Then the next blow my back needed a fusion (1st of 2) in 2014. This really was a hard blow to my foot. It started to work again, minimally, with just trying to do the band excercises. It also got me to the point where I could wear a medium wedge shoe or short heel when I went out. I guess I should integrate in here that I have osteopenia, osteoarthritis & osteoporosis contributing to my problem. I was really depressed with this problem. I then had another back surgery to clear out the vertebrae & a subsequent one in the next year. Ultimately I had another back fusion (now i had L4 L5 S1 from the 1st fusion & they had to fuse L2 & L3 to that. I have been reeling with depression & trying to get past all of these things. Also had hip replacement in 2017, fell contributed by my drop foot & broke my femur 4 weeks into that healing process & had to do it all over again. Then had right knee replaced in 2021 no problem & left knee in 2022 bit problem. It got infected & I had to have a pic line to intraveneously give me doses twice daily for 8 weeks of Vancomyacin & some other antibiotic. Okay now back to the drop foot video I just watch with the new technique. So glad you address the issue of an AFO, which I have the flat one & the other. It was an awful experience. I found that even using it my foot was being stuck in the position without helping me get it to lift at all. My foot drop is dorsoflex. It is useless to me & the exercise you did today I will be trying for sure. I don't expect a miracle but I fall probably 4 times a week, not always a complete fall because I have caught myself some way & I do find the more tired I am the more the foot doesn't want to go up. Thank you for this video. I know this is a long comment but I felt the need to express myself after watching your new video. Toni Russell

You guys make me laugh some good edeas thank you both