Foot drop is a condition where lifting the foot is difficult as the muscles around the ankle are weak. This affects the person’s ability to walk normally. Devices to treat foot drop are used to encourage normal walking by providing assistive movements to lift the foot. Some of the commonly used foot drop treatment devices are ankle-foot orthoses, dorsifLEX ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), and drop foot stimulators. Ankle-foot orthoses are braces that enclose the foot and lower leg to hold the ankle at proper position. Dorsiflex AFO uses a spring to enable the ankle joint to bend up during swing phase of gait. Drop foot stimulators apply electric pulses to stimulate muscles that lift the foot.
The foot drop treatment devices market is estimated to be valued at USD 2.59 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 4.5 Bn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the Foot Drop Treatment Devices market are Hanger Inc., Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA, Breg Inc, Fillauer LLC, Ossur HF, Bauerfeind AG and Owen Prosthetics Services Ltd.
The Foot Drop Treatment Devices Market growing geriatric population is increasing the risk of neurological conditions causing foot drop. According to World Health Organization, the proportion of world's population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22% between 2015 and 2050.
Advancements in materials and electronics have enabled development of advanced devices such as drop foot stimulators with Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable batteries for greater patient comfort and compliance.
Market Trends
Use of carbon composites and lightweight plastics in ankle-foot orthoses allows manufacturing of durable yet comfortable braces. Carbon composites provide stability and flexibility.
Drop foot stimulators are increasingly being used as an alternative to ankle-foot orthoses as they are adjustable and enable normal gait without rigid bracing. Stimulators can be managed remotely using mobile apps.
Market Opportunities
Developing regions such as Asia Pacific and Latin America are expected to offer significant growth opportunities owing to rapidly growing geriatric populations. However device penetration is currently low in these regions presenting scope for market expansion.
Integration of drop foot stimulators with closed-loop control systems and sensors for real-time gait monitoring present an opportunity to develop next generation intelligent foot drop treatment devices.
Impact of COVID-19 on Foot Drop Treatment Devices market growth and geographical regions
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the growth of the foot drop treatment devices market. In the initial months of 2020 when lockdowns were imposed globally, the market declined sharply as non-essential medical procedures were postponed. Foot drop correction surgeries and treatments saw a decline as people avoided hospitals and clinics due to the fear of virus transmission.
The demand for foot drop treatment devices is starting to rise again as lockdowns are gradually being lifted. However, the market is still below the pre-pandemic levels due to continued caution among people regarding hospital visits. Manufacturers also faced disruptions in the supply chain and production due to lockdowns which affected market growth initially.
It is expected that the market will start witnessing steady growth from 2022 as more people get vaccinated and the pandemic situation eases out. However, future waves of virus may again pose challenges. Manufacturers will need to focus on expanding digital channels for sales and support to cater to people's increased preference for online purchasing of medical devices. They will also need to implement strict safety protocols at production and distribution facilities to ensure continuity of supplies.
In terms of geographical regions, North America has been the largest market for foot drop treatment devices in terms of value. This is due to higher treatment rates, growing geriatric population prone to mobility issues, and advanced healthcare infrastructure in countries like the US and copyright. Within North America, the US accounts for the major share.
Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region for the foot drop treatment devices market during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to rising medical tourism, growing health awareness, increasing healthcare expenditure, and expansion of private healthcare facilities in developing countries like India and China. The large population base and improvements in economic conditions are also supporting market growth in Asia Pacific.
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