The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

Skip to main content

FES (Foot Drop Functional Electrical Stimulation)

Functional electrical stimulation devices for foot drop in stroke and neurological diseases.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department. Book Appointment →

What is FES (Foot Drop Functional Electrical Stimulation)?

FES foot drop devices (such as WalkAide, NESS L300) include gyroscopic sensors that detect gait phases and surface electrodes that stimulate the peroneal nerve. They activate at heel lift to provide ankle dorsiflexion.

It is used for foot drop after stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and traumatic brain injury. As an alternative to traditional ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), it provides functional improvement.

With long-term use, motor learning may occur with the 'carry-over' effect. Skin irritation and battery maintenance are important limitations.

Symptoms

Foot drop during walking
Increased fall risk
Loss of heel strike
Decreased gait speed
Abnormal gait pattern

Risk Factors

Hemiparesis after stroke
Multiple sclerosis
Cerebral palsy
Traumatic brain injury
Incomplete SCI

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • In chronic foot drop symptom
  • In recurrent falls
  • In AFO tolerance problems
  • In motor rehabilitation planning
  • In functional walking goal

Treatment Methods

01
Gait analysis
02
Device suitability test
03
Device settings and programming
04
Patient education and compliance monitoring
05
Gradual increase in usage time
06
Combination with motor rehabilitation

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Physical therapy for low back pain reduces pain and supports long-term recovery using a comprehensive approach that combines electrotherapy, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and patient education.

Rehabilitation for Neck Pain

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Rehabilitation for neck pain is a multidimensional program including cervical mobilization, strengthening exercises and posture education that reduces pain and prevents recurrence.

Knee Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Knee rehabilitation is a structured exercise and physiotherapy programme used after arthroscopy, replacement or ligament surgery, or in conservative management, to restore full knee function.

Shoulder Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Shoulder rehabilitation is the staged exercise and manual-therapy programme that restores motion and strength after rotator cuff repair, frozen shoulder, shoulder arthroplasty or subacromial impingement.

Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Post-stroke rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary process aimed at regaining motor function, speech, swallowing and daily living activities to the highest possible level in patients who have had a stroke.

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Spinal cord injury rehabilitation is a long-term process targeting the highest possible functional level for patients with paralysis, sensory loss, and autonomic dysfunction caused by spinal cord damage.

Fibromyalgia

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Fibromyalgia is a central sensitization syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive dysfunction. Multimodal management with aerobic exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and targeted pharmacotherapy improves function and quality of life.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Myofascial pain syndrome is a common regional pain disorder characterized by hyperirritable spots in taut skeletal muscle bands (trigger points) producing referred pain patterns. Treatment targets trigger point inactivation and restoration of normal muscle length and function.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.