After a stroke the ankle may be unstable and the foot may drop. Hip and
knee control may be diminished. The patient’s walking needs to be assessed by a physiotherapist who will teach independent walking, if possible,
without using walking aids. But if aids are necessary, in the early stages a
walking frame on wheels may be best. If necessary a relative or friend can
hold the affected hand onto the frame. Quadrupeds, which are sticks with
four legs on the bottom, are not recommended because they encourage
leaning over to the good side instead of standing upright. They are also
cumbersome to use. Progressing to a walking stick is better. It should be
high enough to prevent the person leaning hard on it because it should be
used for balance not to give support,
If foot drop persists, despite treatment, and the foot drags on the
ground, some form of external support may be needed. A plastic moulded
splint which fits round the back of the calf and under the foot will hold the
ankle at right angles and reduces the tendency of the foot to turn inwards,