Walking after stroke: Spasticity versus foot drop

Most strokes do NOT cause foot drop. There is a better term, spasticity. This video explains how they are different. If you are trying to improve your walking after a stroke, you must watch this :)
Please visit www.orlandoneurotherapy.com/s... to learn more about stroke
Are you struggling to stay positive in this tough situation? Here is a good read for you: www.orlandoneurotherapy.com/s...
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[@bensturges7412]

Absolutely, this was my experience. I broke up the spastic pattern that affected my foot, believe it or not, by exercising my outside three toes. I didn't realize these toes weren't working for two years following my stroke. I enlisted my wife's help to begin working these toes early in the targeted therapy. She would push against the toes so I could feel them. I would then try to curl them against that pressure. After a few months, I was able to curl them over a towel and extend them up by myself, 100+ times a day. Being able to feel and work these toes enabled me to spread my weight over my entire foot when walking and relaxed my ankle and lower leg in the process.

[@KTee2711]

Thank you! Thank you! I have the exact same problem. I will try your suggestion. How is the spasticity in your foot now? Are you to walk better?🙂

[@bensturges7412]

The good news is I still feel those toes. The bad news is I still feel those toes. In other words, the numbness is still there and probably will stay. I couldn't exercise walk for a month due to an achilles injury and I lost the feeling on those toes for a bit. After resuming regular walk, I got feeling back. That ephasizes importance of continuous exercise@@KTee2711

[@user-hb1ex9ou8r]

Oh my god I have the same problem I will do what you said you did and if it works you would have changed the rest of my life ❤

[@robertmontano5016]

YOU ARE SUCH A BLESSING TO THOSE WHO TAKE THE TIME TO WATCH YOUR VIDEOS. THANK YOU

[@wunnathein1323]

Too much talking.

[@elvinmari251]

Rrsther than fooot drop or spssticity alone,cpuld it be possibly a combination of both

[@s.ketterer3661]

What are your thoughts about high tone spasticity and being diagnosed with MS with no foot drop?

[@Sbannmarie]

@@wunnathein1323 dude she’s an educator!

[@charlesphillips6803]

I had a stroke from a fall in 2016(undetected aneurism) I was 32. I’m 37 now and I not failed to work out 6 days a week. I am a determined person and after the stroke I started therapy❤ and they put me on a shuttle machine. My walk was corrected temporarily but my visits were discontinued. I just got another referral. What would you recommend for therapy on an older stroke. This has become my life’s mission to fix and learn as best I can . Your channel is a true resource for quality material. I also like that you get right into the video and it’s topic.

[@MicheleWasserman]

Thank you so much!!! We have been looking at foot drop videos this whole time. No wonder they didn’t work!! I can’t thank you enough!!

[@juliecreed1271]

Thank you for making these videos! I am a brain cancer survivor (26 years). I had an anaplastic astrosytoma tumor in the right frontal lobe. 1997. Went through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. And, in 2016 and 2019 have had small stokes in that same area. My left side is weak. I just found you about a month ago! You are a God send to me! I love how patiently you explain things. I’ve learned a lot sitting and binge watching your videos. Please keep it up your videos have offered so much help to me that I have not gotten any where else in the past 26 years! Thanks again.

[@claudibiscotti4710]

Once again…You are a Great Teacher…Thank you, now I understand, I’m a ballet teacher and stroke survivor, I love exercise and have high expectations for I have ordered the Urias hand splint, working every day on my hand spasticity, with my brace now working on my walking…it’s good to know exactly what muscles are causing the Spasticity, I thought it was the Hamstring. I’m standing as we speak, have a great day🥳💅🏾

[@Grace.AlwaysGrace.]

Thank you, Dr. Tobias, for making these videos available. I was born with cerebral palsy so long ago and have had a few surgeries for bilateral tendon releases, a few different types of leg/foot braces, and years of PT. Spasticity was overwhelming in the beginning but with PT, there was significant progression. Now in these latter years, spasticity is returning. These videos are ever so helpful. After watching a few of them, I now understand why the AFO’s were not as productive and beneficial as promised. Again, thank you.

[@missdbanks25]

Thanks for making this video. In May 2019 I had a stroke with a seizure that led to a bad fall on my left side. Since then I had physical therapy that hasn’t worked and none of my doctors know what to do. Your video helped me a lot to figure out what to do.

[@ronpadlo7301]

Thank you very much dr. Tara. Your experience,insight, and compassion is so very helpful to so many. Post 13years of a hemografic stroke and craniotomy, you are the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, thank you for all that you do! Kind Christian regards Ron Padlo

[@peterinangamoki4112]

After 8 yrs of incomplete spinal injury I under stand it now. I'm so greatful to have come across your site. My rehab wasn't helping me at all thank you so much.

[@bk3289]

I had been following your vid since I had my stroke in Oct 2020. All the while I thought I am having foot drop. After listening to your explanation, I now understand better my condition and it is more like high tone of my muscle. Thanks.

[@glenogn2narvaez451]

Thank you Dr Tara. You are a great help! My wife suffered stroke a month ago. We didnt have any idea what to do then until we watch your videos. The information and exercises are so helpful. You are a blessing!

[@artistvictoria9151]

Standing makes TOTAL sense!!! Thank you! 😍

[@perezcaesarius2842]

Thank u so much for this video. I'm a stroke survivor, currently confuse between spasicity and foot drop. This video helps me understand better. From Malaysia

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching! I am glad it was helpful :)

[@notsure3256]

Oh lady, you're a true blessing. May God bless you and increase all your skill and knowledge

[@rehabhqofficial]

Asma, I appreciate your prayers. I also pray that God can use me to help you get one step closer to your goals 😊

[@monaelkhamli7305]

Thank you, Dr Tara, for all the efforts and passion you put into your videos

[@TheFrancis2048]

I’m so glad I’ve found you! Now I’ve understood, finally that the problem with my foot is spasticity, after a stroke 1 and a half year ago

[@cjbbee3475]

HI!! Dr Tobias you are very helpful. I really enjoy watching your videos. For months I thought I had drop foot, but I do not. I do weight baring exercises, and you mentioned Standing is the best exercise! Thankyou again for your time and demonstrating so many exercises that have become helpful to me.

[@robb4732]

After having a stroke several years ago and spending a great deal of time in rehab, no doctor or therapist ever told me there was such a thing as ankle spasticity. Only drop foot. I knew I had it, but I never knew the name of it until I saw your video. I spent years thinking the spasticity was due to having anxiety attacks. But in reality it was the other way around. Darn, I wish I had known. Thank you very much, better late than never.

[@kennethlee1818]

It's been 5 years since my ischemic stroke. I had exactly the same experience! The physiotherapists (yes, plural) and a renown neurologist (medical school professor as well) were convinced that I needed to use an AFO. I used it but felt that it was not really helping me regain my proper walking gait and didn't encourage me to bend my knee. Eventually, I decided to try an ankle brace which was not only more comfortable but helped me regain a better walking gait. Now, I only need to use the ankle brace when I want to improve my gait further or if I want to walk longer distances to gain more stamina. Had I watched this video years ago, it would have helped me tremendously at a much earlier stage. Many thanks for doing this video with such detail and clarity. I'll be watching your other videos as well.

[@mirzatractors6284]

How's your ankle now?? It's normal or not?? What you did for ankle spasticity after watching this video please reply i also same problem with my both ankle please reply 🙏🙏🙏

[@mirzatractors6284]

@@kennethlee1818 now are you rotate your foot or up down from your ankle?? Just Like we give accelerate or give break a car?? It's moving like this or not?? Please reply 🙏

[@robb4732]

@@mirzatractors6284 I joined a gym several months ago and exercise my leg and ankle each visit. I no longer have spasticity but I do still have some supination Which I’m working on and is better. I use a vacotalus ankle brace bought from Amazon and it takes care of supination. It’s a lot of trial and error and takes time and patience. Several months is the reality but stick with it. If you have a PT, get their input. Everyone is different, that’s why it is often trial and error. But in the end, it’s diligently exercising that does the tick, and keeping a positive attitude. Good luck!

[@JJ4183]

Stroke 8yrs, still walking prob , name not important, need miracle frm God

[@tubemycup]

Thank You for recognizing that self researchers & advocates are valid in their studies of medical issues!!

[@anastasiademeritte8532]

Thank you so much, please keep teaching, blessing and inspiring with the videos.

[@larryvaile2538]

Couldn't have done it without you. Thank you so much

[@denisegallo9317]

Thank you, this was very helpful. I had a stroke 16 years ago. Seems like my symptoms randomly show up. I’ve been having a lot of lower leg pain lately so I was searching for help and came across this vid.

[@greg9255]

I just came across your video I had a stroke December 4th 2020 and your videos have made all the difference in me getting better thank you so much

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Gregory. Thank you for watching and for sharing your story. I am so glad that these videos are helping you in your recovery. Keep going! You got this!

[@LeonEdward]

Thanks doctor. TBI survivor and multiple MTBIs really appreciated undertanding. Of course I have the same effects as some stroke survivors with the hemiparesis , spasticity, the partial paralysis ... a most interesting understanding that you provided was the lift in the heel. I've had some health professionals not understand that and certainly not explain it as well as you have. This effect of foot going down uncontrollably has to be the worst 'fear Factor' I'll say for me walking and it occuring with no control , the following especially on that weakened where I have no or not much control on my left arm / hand to stop falls. I got to tell you that in another video on spasticity that you have about slant boards and the foot was spastic ankle, that is the best thing ever. I think the understanding of keeping the knee bent when you were doing that slant for stretching let's call it is so advantageous. Thanks and bless you

[@hanleyscat]

Yes! Standing. Exercises I do in therapy involves a lot of weight bearing exercise for my affected leg

[@vishwamitravyas4248]

Very proper explain for difference between foot drop and plasticity. Most of medical persons don't know it. Thanks.

[@richardrivera7317]

I love your videos! I was diagnosed with MS in 2014 and just found you in December 2019. I’ve didn’t have a stroke but your exercises work for MSers also. Thank you!

[@rehabhqofficial]

These will absolutely work if you have MS :)

[@hcm444]

Trevor Wicken and the MS gym is worth checking out.

[@richardrivera7317]

@@hcm444 Is that the Facebook guy?

[@hcm444]

@@richardrivera7317 He is on Facebook and also he has free videos on KZbin. I found it worthwhile joining his online gym. It's just over £200 per year - I am in the UK. It's worth the money. Exercises are tailored to MS and to what you specifically need. Community is positive via the members Facebook page and people are always there to give advice. It's a positive place. Good luck.

[@Marina-pi4zw]

Thank you very much for your way to explain things so that it is easy to understand! I like your videos very very much and I am so glad to having found you. I learn a lot and can help my patients so much better.

[@MariaRizzo-jw4xi]

I can’t thank you enough. You are bringing me to exactly where I want to be❤

[@timlavado7278]

I thank God for health professionals like who shares your wisdom and knowledge online. I just subscribed. My father just suffered a stroke and your video is very helpful on helping us understand his condition better. Again, thank you.

[@ercanozcan3263]

You are the best... Thank you for your clear explanations...

[@leirobinson3103]

I have MS. I have been very sick with UTIs and on multiple antibiotics that have weakened me so much. This video really resonated with me when you said,”stand”. I have done so much sitting due to weakness. It was like a lightbulb went off just now and I stood at my walker and finished watching. I’ve had two braces which I really dislike. Right now I am regaining my strength and hope to get standing and walking. Thank you!

[@hcm444]

Trevor Wicken and the MS gym is worth checking out.

[@sonyabalthazar2265]

I had a massive stroke and I still have left side weakness and very high tone in my leg this video helped my understanding thank you and I pray and hope I can one day get my life back from the stroke as well as my other health issues

[@jmims8881]

Very informative! Glad I clicked on & subscribed! Now I know the difference in foot drop versus spasticity. Thanks again.

[@rehabhqofficial]

I am glad it was helpful. :) Thanks for watching and for commenting!!

[@danperlmutter]

This was super helpful! Thank you for all you do.

[@mylovshells2135]

all your videos assist so much thanks

[@saabpor]

I have just discovered your videos-8 years post stroke. Such revaluation! You have made more sense to me than all of my therapists combined over that period. Guess what. I have spacicity not foot drop! I have a light weight AFO which, unfortunately, has no ankle articulation. I am sure that would be beneficial to my walking. In the meantime I intend to do lots and lots of standing. You are such a blessing!

[@chrisnexus1889]

This video is what I needed.My leg would sometimes shake violently only putting weight on it would stop it. Thanks so much

[@Jibijohn-79]

Ty ur video is very knowledgeable I suffer with spasticity goin in to two years due to MS and bad back just found ur video love it!! ❤🙏🏽

[@robinamorris4324]

Thankyou I share your information with many stroke fighters I have FES

[@Josephined26]

I'm so glad I came across your video. I was actually watching your video on exercises for foot drop and came across this video. My 2 year old developed spasticity during her chemotherapy and I've been thinking it was a foot drop all the while. It's been difficult to get her to stand or exercise her ankles

[@christianlordlabusonboniel5052]

Thanks Doc! you never cease to amaze me with your knowledge! You helped me a lot! God bless!

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching and for commenting! I am glad to read it is helping :)

[@michelecrosby7016]

Your info has made me hopeful! Keep it coming please.

[@rehabhqofficial]

I appreciate you taking the time to share this. I am happy to hear these videos are giving you hope. :) Keep working hard. Just one day at a time. :)

[@sigridomeara5658]

Thank you only saw this properly today. Makes so much sense now.😍

[@SurjitSingh-hn8kn]

I have been given lot of exercise in the past, but no one ever explain in depth as you have. I'm going to put this knowledge to use and see the results. Thank you for the video.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching! Keep us posted on your progress :)

[@edwinfrancisco3905]

How long is the quickest recovery time to regain normal walking?

[@meliksahtokur7483]

Im 28 years old and I realize now that I am a spastic. Thanx doc, god bless u.

[@ragnarku]

Thank you. I previously had a rare congenital defect known as brain AVM which suddenly ruptured one day and caused oxygen supply disruption. Of course it caused neural damages and hence stroke-like symptoms such as spasticity and loss of motor functions. I have been dealing with spasticity in the left leg & arm. Your videos have been a huge help to my recovery process.

[@yzar007]

My daughter has an AVM. Her therapist and orthopedist keep on saying she has foot drop, but based on this it sounds more like spacticity. I was wondering if anyone else with an AVM was following here as well for guidance with exercises

[@LeeThatcher]

Thank you for creating these videos and sharing your knowledge.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Lee, It is my pleasure. I appreciate you watching. I hope they help :)

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this video with great information provided., I can only stand for about 10-15 mins. Then I have to rest due to back pain. My right thigh goes numb the longer I stand. Also my leg tires out and wants to buckle. Things are getting better, it’s learning and trying to figure things out also about myself. You have been great help in providing these videos. It’s a wealth great information and help understanding what’s happening.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your story!

[@MZacharyTX]

I LOVE this channel!!! So helpful

[@cherylhiggins2176]

Thank you for addressing this issue. It’s a big problem for me. I look forward to more videos like this. A big thank you 😊

[@movingup41]

This is very good information thank you very much james

[@sgm9444]

great teacher! thanks for this education!

[@wayneross-kent8534]

Keep up the good work, spot on.

[@pattonkirkpatrick6521]

I can stand a long time, no problem there. Good to know it lessens spasticity! Calf muscles are so tight. Thank you!!

[@nazmi5337]

Very well, explained, thanks.

[@taylordonahue4179]

Thank you so much Dr. Tara! After my stroke, I was told I had spasticity not foot drop. I am now in out patient PT and they say foot drop. I showed them this video so now I am getting a different AFO and won't stop watching your videos until I am back on stage dancing !!!

[@luyzqint3760]

Are you doing any exercises for it?. If so, can you please share.✌️

[@mishalinimahesan9596]

@@luyzqint3760 For me also 😊

[@ln14jr]

Thanks to you, I am getting my PT to focus on my spastic foot

[@rokstrohsack8477]

perfectly explained, thank you very very much!!!

[@patriciahampton3164]

Thank you for explaining this .

[@doodsydoodsy5370]

Thank you, standing not something I would have imagined as as exercise. I have just been issued with my fes and will be trying to get used to it whilst trying to walk longer distances.

[@ermalz1235]

Doc ,you a blessing. THank you so much ,you are helping so so so so so much.. Always be safe ,

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thank you so much for watching and for sharing. I am so glad the videos are helping you.

[@americabarriera8265]

Thank you for your videos very helpful. God bless you 🙏

[@Adriana-ue6qg]

Thank you so much for this video! It's great to learn about that.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Adriana your welcome. Hope it helps 😊

[@taniusreddix8424]

Your explanation is super helpful. I was confused about these two terms for a long time. Since I have spasticity in my upper limb, I thought spasticity was also in my lower limb. However, a new doctor referred to it as foot drop and recommended a device that should be beneficial. I am waiting for my insurance to approve it.

[@dcmaine3359]

Thank you!!! I LOVE your channel!!!

[@chriscorse782]

Excellent great clear and very understandable!!!

[@millicentagena6864]

I have been watching you since I returned home from Rehab. Thank you for doing this. I have not been to physical therapy since October because of insurance denials. Somehow I was approved for more sessions but I won’t start back until March 1, 2023. So I have been watching your videos and doing my best to help myself. Standing, standing, standing, yes I want that so I can help out more at home, instead of being so reliant on my family. So I will try that. My affected foot points down and tends to turn on its side when I try to walk. My doctor prescribed an AFO for me and that has helped tremendously. I also wear compression socks during they day, but as soon as I take them off, my foot swells! Is there a sock I can wear at night and when I sleep? When I wake up in the morning, my leg and foot are all stiff and when I try to put weight on it, it bounces up and down like a fish out of water.

[@jenniferglitz2840]

God bless you this, thank you.

[@alisonquadros6674]

Loved this so helpful & informative Thanks a million -Alison 💞🌺

[@patriciahouston-martinez6858]

You are the best physical therapist out there! My only problem is that I don’t understand the terminology. Maybe a video that will catch me up to speed with your other followers would help a lot. Like a cheat sheet for terminology. You are wonderful though ❤

[@keithcastaldy3699]

Great advice thank you

[@paulusher3278]

thank you this has been very informative

[@hwlindeque]

Thank you for all your great videos and very helpful information. Please continue. Dr HW Lindeque, Johannesburg, SA

[@bernardmaliwat]

Hi doc.thanks a lot in all your video i learn a lot in it.now i can manage to walk slowly. Thanks.you so much.God bless you.

[@sunshinehappy7329]

Dr. Tara, you are so right. I did the standing exercise for some days now and really the high tone goes down. Walking and balance improve. You teach in your videos to do exercises slowly and repeatedly. Also this is so right and leads to steady improvements. Great job, thank you so much! 🙏🙋‍♀️🙏

[@praynu_gurung]

What kind of exercise you did?? please help us with alot of information

[@mishalinimahesan9596]

What kind of exercise you did? please tell me 🙏

[@amalboujiki8360]

Great explanation ❤❤!

[@its_toxic.22]

Good explanation !

[@jeffsboxing]

It's perfectly matched to my problem!

[@MediTouchTube]

Thank you very much for your video and information.

[@rehabhqofficial]

it is my pleasure :)

[@joycemaddox1055]

My right leg is involved have learned alot from you, its still really hard because the brain is slow now, your explaining slowly is great on a particular topic like walking most important for independence, I will stay with your videos, thank you Tara, 2.5 years ago 1 bigger and 2 smaller strokes, HIGH TONE PROBLEMS BECAUSE OF My career was food server. also born with right leg shorter and it is my involved leg, so hip problems are starting, 68 yrs old always been very active heavy tone in right leg living alone with frequency in caregiving not for help with understanding my therapy with videos. they house clean only. my focus is on your therapy. I'm watching the first video and downloaded progression 2 and 3 on walking. Had needed to watch many to see my main focus , your videos are interesting Spot on. Would still like your diagnoses like a doctor consultation with you on computer if possible, where you could see my leg , here in California, I will call to see if possible and your pricing if you even do live video consultation. God bless you. You are every strokes need, My cousin in Florida is with your videos now he is excited!!! Bless you. You are in my prayers really I pray for your well being. Thank you in all ways.. You give all of yourself, I live for your hope for my recovery. Your ability to care is passed through life's channels Knowing of your hard work Jesus is mediator for his Father I know you will in all ways be blessed for you actions.

[@ebersingsonstrokesurvivors7510]

Thank you doctor for sharing your knowledge the foot drops ..today it's my 2 years anniversary of having stroke ..rhanks God getting there i'm getting there.. starting walking good , no more heavy feeling on parts of my body.. balancing first then walking everyday i do my homework Right like exercising, stretching , rubber pulling, healthy food , change of life style no time table just keep on doing . Now i can take shower & change my clothes , look much better not like before..my goal is to see the light in the tunnel amen. Thank you so much doctor

[@ezelladams6914]

Great info it for sure is a gem

[@biddu2683]

Thank you SOOOOO MUCH!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lindaresnick4625]

The explanation was clear and very helpful

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching Linda! I am glad to read this. I have an entire playlist on spasticity. It is definitely a very common problem. Let me know if you have anything you would like me to cover in a future video!

[@theeternalcelebrationpeopl7681]

Outstanding!!!

[@elizabethinman6902]

Thank you for this video

[@ivyqueen22]

Omg i finally have the answer 🎉 thank you so much. I have MS and its a spastik. Now i can get right help thank you ❤

[@ezelladams6914]

I find after walking with a cane over a couple years it makes me fearful without it, because I put so much weight on my un effected leg, but you gave example and good info on that so I have something to work on now, thank you much.

[@marie-danielleoreilly3468]

Great help! Thank you ! From Switzerland 🙏🙏🙏

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching! I hope you are staying safe 😊

[@srinivasseenu6662]

Your advice is very good. My right leg foot is the big problem I can't walk minimum fast also I Wii be waiting for your further instruction

[@katieharrod3328]

Great Teaching video. I am not thrilled with my PT as I getting little explanation about anything. Just walk and let's if you can walk faster and....🙄 ok after a pontine stroke I'm Grateful to to the Lord that I CAN Walk. But I'm getting very little of the exercise routine you mention and painstakingly demonstrate! Thank you so very much!

[@momma2vinzilla]

Thank you so much! This is so enlightening.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thank you for watching Bernadette! I hope it was helpful :)

[@momma2vinzilla]

@@rehabhqofficial your videos are definitely helpful! I will be binge-watching more of them and practicing what I am learning.

[@frankadams9644]

thank you for this

[@nonichalant8090]

Thanks 🙏🏽

[@wearerockstarz85]

Your video was very informative... I'm a stroke survivor who has his family support but still have conflict with their opinions 😢

[@feliciatapscott4404]

Thanks, Standing more to achieve balance and I have lots of tone not foot drop that’s the difference I acknowledge

[@suekinsey7978]

You help me so much! I talk to you in my head. You are my hero. Did I hear you say I can get some of the things you use from amazon but go through you

[@rehabhqofficial]

I am so happy to read this! Yes, what item are you interested in?

[@lesteriott8840]

Hello Doctor. Im glad I came across your videos. It appears I have been damaged by the antibiotic Cipro. Im 80 years oldand was prescribed Cipro for a UTI