If you find yourself dragging your toes, tripping more often, or lifting your knee higher just to clear your foot when you walk, you may be experiencing foot drop. It can be frustrating and even unsafe, but effective solutions exist. At our Hickory office, located at 910 Tate Blvd SE, Suite 103, Orthopedic Appliance Company offers a range of foot drop treatments, including advanced functional electrical stimulation through the WalkAide system. We proudly serve Catawba County and the surrounding region.
For over sixty years, Orthopedic Appliance Company has provided high-quality orthotic and prosthetic care, and we are one of the few providers in the area offering FES technology for foot drop. Our Hickory team is here to help you move with greater confidence.
What Is Foot Drop?
Foot drop, sometimes called drop foot, is the difficulty or inability to lift the front part of the foot during walking. It is not a disease in itself but a symptom of an underlying issue affecting the nerves, muscles, or related systems. Common signs include toe dragging, foot slapping, and a high-stepping walk known as steppage gait.
Foot drop has many possible causes, and identifying the cause is an important part of determining the right treatment. It is often associated with conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury, as well as nerve compression or injury. To learn more about the underlying causes, our blog on what you need to know about foot drop and FES devices offers a helpful overview.
Traditional Treatment: Ankle-Foot Orthoses
For many people with foot drop, an ankle-foot orthosis, or AFO, is a well-established treatment. An AFO supports the foot and ankle to improve clearance during walking and reduce the risk of tripping. These devices range from traditional plastic designs to lightweight carbon-fiber options, each suited to different needs.
A certified orthotist evaluates your specific situation to determine the most appropriate AFO design and ensure a proper fit. Custom fabrication helps the device work comfortably and effectively for your individual anatomy. You can explore the range of devices we provide on our orthotics page, and our blog on improving mobility with lower leg orthotic devices offers additional context.
The WalkAide FES System
For appropriate candidates, the WalkAide offers an advanced alternative or complement to traditional AFO bracing. The WalkAide is an FDA-approved functional electrical stimulation device that combines the supportive role of orthotics with muscle activation. It works by stimulating the peroneal nerve at the right point in your stride to lift the forefoot, helping ensure ground clearance and a more natural heel-to-toe motion.
The result for many users is a smoother, safer, and more energy-efficient walking pattern. Because it uses a small cuff worn just below the knee rather than a brace inside the shoe, the WalkAide can offer added freedom and a more natural appearance. By recreating the natural nerve-to-muscle response, it may also support circulation and joint range of motion. You can learn more on our FES devices page.
Who Is a Candidate for FES?
The WalkAide is not right for everyone, which is why a professional evaluation is essential. It is generally suited to people whose foot drop results from upper motor neuron conditions, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. Foot drop caused by certain other conditions may not respond to this approach.
During an evaluation, our certified practitioners assess whether you are a candidate and discuss whether an AFO, the WalkAide, or a combination best fits your needs. This individualized assessment ensures your treatment is matched to your specific situation. Our goal is to find the solution that helps you walk most comfortably and safely.
What the Evaluation Process Looks Like
The path to treatment begins with a thorough evaluation at our Hickory office. We review your medical history and physician's recommendations, assess your gait, and consider the underlying cause of your foot drop. This careful approach helps us recommend the most effective option.
If the WalkAide is appropriate, the process typically includes a trial to confirm how well you respond, followed by fitting and adjustment of the device. For AFO treatment, we take precise measurements and, when needed, casting or scanning to create a properly fitted device. Throughout treatment, follow-up visits help fine-tune your device as your needs change.
Serving Hickory and the Surrounding Communities
Our Hickory office is well positioned to serve patients across Catawba County and nearby areas. Being close to home matters for foot drop care, where follow-up and adjustments are part of achieving the best outcome.
Patients commonly visit our Hickory location from:
- Hickory and greater Catawba County
- Conover and Newton
- Morganton
- Lenoir and the surrounding region
Convenient local access makes it easier to keep up with the appointments that help you get the most from your device.
Insurance and Getting Started
Questions about coverage are common, and our team is glad to help. Orthopedic Appliance Company accepts most major insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid, and a prescription is required to file any insurance claim. Our patient coordinators can help you understand your benefits.
For questions about specific costs, please reach out to us directly so we can provide accurate information based on your coverage and needs.
What Our Patients Say
Our Hickory patients often highlight the care and attention that go into a proper brace fit:
"When I was fitted for my brace and had to go back for adjustments, Barry is very knowledgeable in his field and does everything he can to make sure you are fitted properly. I highly recommend them for your foot care needs!"
— Diane B.
"My brace fit very well. I was advised to wear it one hour the first day, two hours the next, and so on until I got used to it. Very helpful advice, and I was told to call if I needed help."
— Marvin B.
"They always make sure I'm happy with my brace and everything fits well."
— Brandi P.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether I need an AFO or the WalkAide?
A professional evaluation is the best way to find out. Our practitioners assess the cause of your foot drop and your individual needs, then recommend the option, or combination of options, most likely to help.
Is the WalkAide right for everyone with foot drop?
No. The WalkAide is generally suited to foot drop caused by upper motor neuron conditions, and not everyone is a candidate. An evaluation determines whether it is appropriate for you.
Will my foot drop go away?
Foot drop sometimes resolves and can also be a longer-term issue, depending on its cause. Treatment focuses on improving safety, comfort, and walking, while your physician addresses any underlying condition.
Do I need a prescription?
Yes. A prescription from your physician is required to file an insurance claim and is part of coordinated care. Our team can help you understand what is needed for your situation.
Schedule a Foot Drop Evaluation in Hickory
If foot drop is affecting your mobility, our Hickory team is ready to help you find the right solution, whether that is an AFO, the WalkAide FES system, or a combination of both. We will evaluate your needs and recommend a plan built around your goals. Please contact Orthopedic Appliance Company to schedule an evaluation at our Hickory office.