A 40-year-old male named Amit (name changed) walked into our clinic with difficulty in lifting up his right foot while walking. He had a history of injury to the back while lifting heavy objects. After the back Injury his walking pattern changed and he was unable to lift up the foot while walking.
After the clinical examination with the therapist we started a Function Electrical Stimulation treatment for him, along with foot drop exercises and stretching techniques.
After about 15 sessions of Functional Electrical Stimulation and gait training Amit recovered completely.
Now you all must be wondering what exactly is foot drop?
Foot drop is a walking abnormality characterised by inability to lift foot, due to the nerve injury. While walking, people suffering from this condition drag their toes along the ground or bend their knees to lift their foot higher than usual to avoid the dragging.
Manage your foot drop with Functional Electrical stimulation (FES)
XFT-2001D Foot drop system is a sensor based and advanced device that brings about remarkable effects in foot drop patients. It can be used in patients who suffer from gait abnormalities resulting from central nervous system injuries, such as stroke, incomplete spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis.
XFT/ FES device delivers electrical pulses to the common peroneal nerve as well as the tibialis anterior and other muscles to move the ankle in dorsiflexion (up) and eversion (out).
Those mild electrical pulses stimulate the muscles while walking and therefore enables patients to walk more steadily, naturally and safely.
Studies have shown that Functional electrical stimulation brings about positive effects in patients with foot drop thus, improving the confidence in walking and increased participation in physical activity.
Read more: High Technology for Physiotherapists
