Foot Drop Ayurvedic Treatment

The people with foot drop/ drop foot feel difficulty to lift the feet (front part) from floor, and they have to drag the feet on the ground while walking. It is not considered as a disease, but as an underlying neurological or muscular problem, usually paralysis of muscles involved in lifting the front portion of foot. Common causes are nerve injuries, diseases of muscles or nerves and brain or spinal cord disorders.

Foot Drop Signs and Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms are difficulty to lift the foot from floor, dragging of foot while walking, steppage gait (lifting thigh to raise the foot from floor while trying to walk), numbness of skin over the upper part of toes etc.

Foot Drop Ayurvedic Analysis

Khanjata (weakness of leg causing difficulty to walk) is a type of vatavyadhi in Ayurveda. When vata situated at hip region attacks the kandara (ligaments and tendons) in sakthi (lower leg) it causes Khanjata. If both sides are affected, it is called pangu (lame). Injury to janu marma (vital point located in knee) is another cause of khanjata. Chronic vatashonita (inflammatory conditions of muscles and bones) may also lead to this condition.

Foot Drop Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Aggravation of vata is the reason for khanjata. Excessive physical activity, injury, falls, diseases of bones and muscles, birth injuries etc are the common causes of vatavruddhi leading to khanjata.

Possible Complications in Foot Drop Disease

The most common complications are severe pain, increased chances of falls and injuries.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Foot drop may be seen in conditions like muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, polio etc. rule out these conditions before planning treatment.

Foot Drop Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Management is focused on reducing the disability. Treatment of the underlying condition is needed to provide relief. Common treatments are snehana (oil massage, internal administration of suitable ghee), swedana (local kizhi, dhara etc), nasya (nasal instillation of medicine), virechana (purgation therapy), vasthi (enema), bandaging etc along with appropriate internal medicines. Supportive treatments like physiotherapy, yoga etc are also provided.

Diet

Include more whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, milk etc in diet.

Exercise

Do foot exercises to strengthen the muscles.

Foot Drop Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Preventive techniques of vatavyadhi are helpful up to some extent. They are- avoiding over activity/ injuries/ falls/ walking on uneven surfaces etc. Regular oil massage can strengthen the muscles and nerves, and thereby prevent vatavyadhi. Exercise regularly. Consume healthy nutritious diet.