Dropped foot is the inability to lift the foot while walking.  It can occur due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in lifting the foot or over activity (spasticity) of the muscles that push the foot down. As a result, the toes may catch the ground as the foot is swinging forward and there is an increased risk of going over on the ankle when the foot is put back on the ground.  As a result, walking is made:

• Less safe because of increased risk of falls
• Less efficient requiring greater energy to get anywhere
• Slower and only short distances may be possible

Dropped foot can reduce both independence and participation in daily life.

A dropped foot is common following many neurological conditions that affect the brain or spinal cord.