M21.3: Wrist or foot drop (acquired)

Wrist or foot drop, also known as drop wrist or drop foot, is a condition that typically results from damage to the nerves that control the muscles in the wrist and foot. Rather than being a disease itself, it is often a symptom of underlying neurological, muscular or anatomical problems. Acquired wrist or foot drop means that the condition was not present at birth, but developed later in life due to factors such as nerve injury, certain diseases or trauma. When someone has this condition, they may experience difficulty in lifting the front part of their foot or their wrist, leading to a tendency to trip over or lift their thigh when they walk, a style known as steppage gait or high stepping. Other signs can include numbness, and depending on the underlying cause, it may affect one or both sides of the body. The progression and management of the condition largely depend on treating the underlying cause.