Foot drop, right foot

This code signifies an inability to dorsiflex the right foot, leading to a characteristic high-stepping gait to clear the foot from the ground during ambulation. It results from weakness or paralysis of the muscles responsible for lifting the front part of the foot, primarily the tibialis anterior.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states "foot drop" affecting the right foot. This often occurs due to nerve damage (e.g., peroneal nerve injury), stroke, or other neurological conditions. Supporting documentation should include a physical exam noting the inability to dorsiflex the right foot and/or a description of the associated gait abnormality.

• Always specify laterality; do not use unspecified foot drop codes if the affected side is known.
• Code any underlying cause of the foot drop (e.g., G57.31 for lesion of peroneal nerve, right lower limb) as a primary diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter.
• Distinguish from other gait abnormalities; foot drop specifically refers to impaired dorsiflexion.