She hadn’t walked right for two years.
A 40-year-old woman with Multiple Sclerosis had severe drop foot.
She couldn’t lift her ankle when walking. She saw seven specialists.
But no one told her why it was happening — or how to fix it.
She came to our clinic with one question:
Can a chiropractor help with drop foot?
The answer surprised her. And it might surprise you too.
What Is Drop Foot?
Drop foot is a condition where the front of the foot doesn’t lift when walking.
It can be caused by:
Nerve damage
Muscle weakness
Spine or hip misalignment
Neurological conditions like MS
People with drop foot often trip, drag their toes, or swing their leg out to walk.
It changes how you move — and how you feel.
What Most Doctors Miss
Many doctors focus on the foot itself.
They order scans. Suggest braces. Or say “nothing can be done.”
But they miss the chain.
In this patient’s case, her foot was the symptom, not the cause.
Her left hip and lower back were unstable.
That instability affected the nerves that control her foot movement.
Once we corrected those areas — her foot began to lift again.
How Chiropractors Treat Drop Foot
A skilled chiropractor does more than crack backs.
They study how the whole body moves — from spine to foot.
At our clinic, the steps included:
Full-Body Movement Exam
We didn’t just look at her foot.
We checked posture, hips, spine, gait, and nerve signals.
Spinal and Hip Adjustments
Her lower back was out of alignment.
Gentle adjustments restored nerve flow and stability.
Foot and Ankle Work
We used soft tissue therapy and mobilizations to support muscle function.
Custom Movement Plan
Simple balance and walking drills helped retrain the pattern.
Not overnight. But step by step — her walking improved.
What the Research Says (2023–2024)
A 2023 case series in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics showed that chiropractic care improved walking ability in patients with foot drop related to spinal dysfunction.
Another 2024 study from Clinical Biomechanics found that addressing lumbar and pelvic misalignments reduced nerve-related leg weakness, including foot drop symptoms.
The science supports what we see in real life:
Fix the structure, and the foot often follows.
Signs Drop Foot May Be Caused by the Spine
One-sided foot dragging
Back or hip pain on the same side
Weak ankle with no injury history
Foot drop after spinal surgery
Past trauma to the lower back
If you have any of these signs, the issue may be higher up than the foot.
FAQ: Chiropractic and Drop Foot
Can a chiropractor fix drop foot completely?
Not always. But if the cause is structural or nerve-based, chiropractic can help restore motion and improve walking. Especially when the spine or hip is involved.
Is chiropractic safe for someone with Multiple Sclerosis?
Yes — when done gently and correctly.
Dr. Lee adjusts with care, using low-force methods for neurological patients.
Will I need braces or surgery?
In some cases, yes.
But many patients improve without them — once the root cause is treated.
Dr. Lee’s Message: Don’t Give Up Too Soon
When seven doctors can’t find the answer, it’s easy to lose hope.
But healing often starts when someone sees the whole picture, not just the part that hurts.
If you or someone you love is struggling with drop foot, we’re here to help.
📞 Call Pineapple Chiropractic and Podiatry
🌐 Visit DrLeeBack.com to schedule your consultation
Let’s walk stronger — together.
