Dealing with Foot Drop is one of the most common challenges that my clients with MS suffer from - and I’m here to help you and your loved ones find relief.
Today, let’s unpack what Foot Drop is and how it shows up for people diagnosed with MS. I’ll introduce you to one of my favorite tools (and an excellent AFO alternative), the Dictus Band and explore how to use it effectively.
Let’s dive in!
Foot drop in people with MS occurs when there is a disruption in the neural pathway between the leg and the brain. Essentially, your brain is telling you to lift your foot/ankle, but your foot/ankle doesn’t listen and either no movement occurs or minimal movement. Additionally, your foot may not align correctly when walking and make it difficult to get around.
How can you test if you’re experiencing Foot Drop? When taking a step forward, your back foot may drag with your toes scuffing the ground as you walk. If you’re able to pick up your foot but catch yourself as your foot drops too soon, that’s another instance of Foot Drop.
Allow me to introduce you to the Dictus Band! This tool is used to assist with Foot Drop and attaches to shoes with laces. Let’s dive into who it’s for, how to wear one, and what you need to know to decide if the Dictus Band could be a good fit for you.
If you are going to try the Dictus Band, it is very important to have some degree of strength in your ankle dorsiflexors (aka: the muscles that lift your toes, forefoot, and ankle). This means that you’ll be able to exert some control over the muscles in the top of your feet and ankles to prevent them from falling downward.
Here’s an easy way to test your dorsiflexor strength: begin by sitting up straight in a chair with your feet flat on the floor, and attempt to lift your forefoot off the floor. Your heels should stay in place with your toes moving up and down. If you have any movement during that action, it’s a sign that you do have strength on your own. This is a good indicator that the Dictus Band may be a good fit for you!
However, if you don’t have any movement, the Dictus Band will not be a good fit for you. This is because the improved movement while wearing a Dictus Band begins with your own muscle action and recruitment. Unfortunately, it cannot pick up an ankle with no movement.
If you’re hoping to strengthen your walking and improve Foot Drop, try these exercises!
To wear your Dictus Band, make sure you are seated in a comfortable position. You’ll also want to remove your shoes before beginning.
Step One: You’ll place the Dictus Band brace around your ankle and velcro it together. Make sure you’re getting it as snug as possible! It should not hurt or be uncomfortable when it’s on.
Step Two: The Dictus Band comes with four prongs. When wearing shoes with laces, you’ll place two of your prongs in the furthest eyelets - one on each side of the laces. If you struggle with your fine motor skills, you may need someone to assist you with this step.
Step Three: Put your shoe on as you normally would and tighten the laces.
Step Four: Pull the resistance band that is attached to the brace around your ankle down into the prongs placed in both eyelets
Right away, you’ll feel the band attempting to pull your ankle. You’re all set and ready to go!
The Dictus Band is not an AFO, or Ankle-foot orthoses. Generally, AFOs are made of carbon fiber, plastic, or other similar material. They are a hard brace that are typically worn on the lower leg from knee to heel with a footplate that rests underneath your foot.
While the Dictus Band is not an AFO, I consider it to be an alternative. The biggest difference between the two is that the Dictusu Band assists with lifting your ankle whereas an AFO resists ankle movement (dropping). If you have tried an AFO and it didn’t help or found it to be uncomfortable, the Dictus Band may be a great option for you to try.
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t wear a Dictus Band and an AFO at the same time. An AFO typically prevents movement to the ankle to reduce Foot Drop, whereas a Dictus Band requires movement to help you use your ankle more. A little bit of a bummer, but you’ll be able to find the solution that works for you!
When it comes to managing MS, the Dictus Band is a great tool to increase mobility and prevent injury.
The Dictus Band works best in practice with support and exercises. This is why I recommend my 5-Day MS Challenge to feel more in control of your MS and improve your quality of life!
Navigating the challenges of MS often involves the use of tools like the Dictus Band to enhance mobility and mitigate the risk of injury. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a testament to your resilience and tenacity.
However, harnessing the full potential of the Dictus Band is more than just wearing it - it truly thrives with support and exercises designed specifically for those with MS. This is why I encourage anyone with MS to participate in my 5-Day MS Challenge for strength and walking. With the research-proven strategies you’ll learn, you can finally feel more control over your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Not only that, you’ll receive an MS-specific exercise class that can help you learn what exercises to do to improve your foot drop. What do you have to lose?
I’ll see you inside the challenge!
Do everyday movements feel difficult to achieve? I'm here to help. Exercises for seniors require intentional strategies to regain control of everyday mobility. Read my 6 functional exercises that target balance and strength here!
Dr. Gretchen Hawley's The MSing Link offers a comprehensive guide to taking control of your MS symptoms and improving your mobility through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
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As a physical therapist & Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist, I have spent the last 10 years teaching people with MS how to feel more confident & empowered through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
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