If you have never been to a pain clinic, your first inclination is to think they are places where you go after a car accident. And while there are those types of clinics, there are more of them that treat pain from different things such as arthritis, cancer or other diseases and illnesses such as Foot Drop. This condition is where the muscles weaken that permit you to flex your ankle and toes.
A person with this condition will have a tendency to drag the front of their foot while they walk, bending the knee to raise the foot in order to compensate for the dragging. The lift is higher than it is for a normal stride, creating somewhat of a high-stepping gait.This condition affects the ankle and toe muscles that are responsible for moving those parts upward. It most specifically affects the anterior tibialis, extensor digitorium longus, and extensor halluces longus.
Foot Drop is not a disease, but a neuromuscular disorder affecting the muscles and nerves. It is often the symptom of some other underlying medical issue, usually in the lower back. If you are unable to walk on your heels, that could be an indication of having this condition.