Reclaim Your Mobility
Groundbreaking Care for Foot Drop.
Foot drop is difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, which can cause the foot to drag when walking. It is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying neurological, muscular, or anatomical problem, and it can be temporary or permanent.
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Foot Drop
Foot drop can occur in one foot or both and can affect people of any age. Patients with peripheral neuropathy may develop it from muscle weakness or paralysis caused by nerve damage. At Pulse, we assess each patient's condition to determine the right interventions for managing symptoms and improving mobility.
Diagnostics & procedures
6 in Foot DropFeatured procedure
Targeted Nerve Transfer (TNT)
An innovative surgical technique that reroutes functional nerves to damaged ones to restore foot movement.
Learn moreFeatured procedure
Comprehensive Nerve Testing
EMG and nerve conduction studies that pinpoint the location and degree of nerve damage causing foot drop.
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Lower Extremity Pain Mapping
A systematic evaluation from hip to toes that traces where lower limb pain originates.
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Conservative Management
Non-surgical care for foot drop symptoms when testing shows surgery is not the right first step.
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Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Guided therapy that retrains the brain and muscles to work together and maximize restored movement.
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Neuropathy-Related Foot Drop
Foot drop that develops from muscle weakness or paralysis caused by peripheral nerve damage.
Learn moreWhat is targeted nerve transfer?
Targeted Nerve Transfer
The Targeted Nerve Transfer (TNT) procedure is an innovative surgical technique designed to restore mobility and function in patients with foot drop. It works by rerouting functional nerves from the same or neighboring muscles to the damaged nerve, creating a new pathway for nerve signals to travel.
For patients whose foot drop stems from nerve damage or muscle paralysis, TNT offers a chance to regain control and movement, and a path forward when traditional treatment options have felt limiting.
Comprehensive nerve testing
- Electromyography (EMG) to measure the electrical activity of the muscles
- Nerve conduction studies to measure the speed of nerve signal transmission
- Pinpointing the location and degree of nerve damage
- Mapping which neural pathways are affected to guide the treatment plan
- Determining whether conservative management, physical therapy, or the TNT procedure fits best
Lower extremity pain mapping
Pain Mapping
Pain mapping is a diagnostic process used to identify and analyze the origins of pain in the lower limbs. It involves a systematic examination of the leg, from the hip to the toes, to pinpoint specific pain points and their potential causes.
Using patient feedback, visual inspection, palpation, and at times advanced imaging, our surgeon traces the pathways of discomfort and determines whether they stem from nerve damage, muscular strain, or skeletal issues. It is an essential step in diagnosing conditions like foot drop and shaping a personalized treatment approach.
Meet our podiatric surgeon
Arshad Khan, DPM, FACFAS, FACFAOM
Dr. Arshad A. Khan has extensive experience, research, and training in podiatric surgery, with a special focus on nerve and pain disorders.
His advanced work with nerve harvesting has enabled him to restore function and feeling in patients with foot drop. These nerve rerouting techniques and neuromodulation therapies have also helped patients experiencing chronic pain who had failed every other treatment. Dr. Khan is one of the few surgeons in the world who can restore motion quickly for those who suffer from foot drop.
He also specializes in diabetic nerve pain and foot and ankle surgery.
View full profileWhat to expect
The TNT procedure, step by step
From the surgery itself through rehabilitation and follow-up, here is what the process involves.
Procedure process
During surgery, a less critical but fully functional donor nerve is connected to the damaged nerve in the target muscle, redirecting the signal from the brain to the foot so voluntary movement is possible.
Outcomes
Patients can expect improvement in foot drop symptoms, such as reduced dragging, increased muscle strength, and improved gait. Recovery time varies, but most individuals resume normal activities within six months.
Recovery and rehabilitation
After surgery, patients may need several weeks to months of recovery and rehabilitation. Physical therapy is crucial to retrain the brain and muscles to work together and maximize restored movement.
Risk and success
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Success depends on the extent of nerve damage, the time elapsed since injury, and adherence to rehabilitation protocols.
Follow-up care
Regular follow-up appointments monitor recovery and allow adjustments to the rehabilitation program along the way.
Care is available across our Houston, The Woodlands, Katy, Huntsville, and surrounding area locations.
Real stories of healing & hope
Testimonials
Every health journey is personal, but you never have to walk it alone. The most meaningful proof of our care comes directly from the people we treat. Watch their stories and see what it means to put your health in our hands.
Foot drop care in Texas
Frequently asked questions
Next step
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