Celebrating Success: National Foot Drop Awareness Day 2025
Celebrating Success: National Foot Drop Awareness Day 2025
On 19 September 2025, the UK and wider footdrop community came together to mark National Foot Drop Awareness Day — a day dedicated to raising visibility, strengthening support networks, and highlighting advances in care. This year’s event proved to be one of our most successful yet, and here’s why:
A Growing Reach & Stronger Voice
Across social media, #NationalFootDropAwarenessDay trended in communities and patient groups, as people living with foot drop shared their stories, tips, and encouragement. The National Foot Drop Society redirected its efforts toward community engagement and awareness campaigns, and the momentum was unmistakable. Facebook+1
Meaningful Events & Collaboration
Clinics, charities, and advocacy organisations hosted virtual and in-person sessions, from webinars with neurologists and orthotists to “try-it” events featuring AFOs (ankle-foot orthoses) and functional electrical stimulation devices. These hands-on opportunities allowed attendees to test solutions, ask questions, and connect with professionals. Foot Drop New Website+1
Stories That Inspire
One of the most powerful parts of the day was hearing from people living with footdrop — their journeys, struggles, resilience, and progress. Personal testimonies highlighted what support and awareness can accomplish: less stigma, better access to treatment, and renewed hope.
Advancing Knowledge & Solutions
2025 was not just a day of awareness — it was a day of progress. Clinicians, orthotists, prosthetic specialists, and technologists used the platform to spotlight innovations:
New lightweight carbon fiber AFO designs
Advancements in Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) systems
Developments in orthotic custom fitting
These advances mean improved comfort, usability, and mobility for many.
What It Means Going Forward
Because this year’s day was such a success, we enter the coming months with renewed purpose:
Strengthened networks: more people now know where to look for help, advice, and peer support.
Policy momentum: as awareness rises, so does the possibility of improved funding, insurance coverage, and access to orthotic devices.
Empowered individuals: people with footdrop feel more seen, heard, and understood — and that can make all the difference in seeking care, advocating for themselves, or trying new treatments.
Thank you to everyone who contributed — from organisers, clinicians, charities, patient advocates, and each person who shared their story. Because of your voice, National Footdrop Awareness Day 2025 was a triumph of visibility, connection, and hope.
If you’re reading this and live with footdrop (or care for someone who does), we encourage you to:
Join a local or online support group
Speak to your clinician about new orthotic or FES options
Share your journey — your story could help someone else move forward
Together, we’ll make sure footdrop is no longer an “invisible” condition, but one met with knowledge, compassion, and real solutions.
