Question about using an AFO or WalkAide device

[MikeonABike]

I had a question..

has anyone ever tried to use an AFO or Walkaide electrice brace which is suppose to help elimnate "Foot Drop" ? If so ... did it help ?

I was just given an AFO and it seems to help me walk, but it is a bit uncomfortable to wear. I am hoping for an approval from my insurance to try one of those WalkAide devices..

I just needed som input from experienced people.

Thanks

[ru4cats]

I tried the walkaid for two weeks and also the bioness. Neither helped me because my problem was due to weak hip flexors, not foot drop. They are very expensive( $4500-6200) and usually not covered by insurance. You can find these for resale on "this is ms" but they are set by a computer so really hard to buy second hand. I recommend "renting" before buying. If it doesn't work, you're only out 10% of the total cost. Hope this helps!

[MSer102]

Mike if you read through this devices forum you'll find a lot of threads about AFO's and Walkaides. So even if people don't answer here you can still read what they said before.

[Jazzberry]

my AFOs worked very well (Still do). I was very, very resistant to getting them - but if I had realized how much they helped, I would have been rushing to get fitted.

AFOs do take some time to get used to. Mine happen to have rubber-like hinges at the ankle which "pop" my foot up and make walking more natural like (according to my foot & ankle doc and my neuro doc.

If your AFO is uncomfortable go back to your fitter (protesthics company that made them). They can be (and usually do) require adjusting. If you can even somewhat explain the issue/difficulty you have/feel, I bet a good CPO tech can 'fix what ails ya'

[MikeonABike]

Thanks All

Thank you all for your comments. It gives me the information that I need to go forward !

[jjcrick]

I have been using a Walkaide for almost 6 weeks now and it has been very, very, repeat very helpful. It is not perfect but has improved my quality of life tremendously. Primarily it has greatly decreased my fatigue. I don't have to concentrate so hard just to walk. I have more energy to concentrate on my balance. It's easy to wear. I don't have to have it set very high, I'm at ~1.5 out of 8. I barely notice it anymore. I do have to turn it up later in the day when I am more tired. Unfortunately my insurance wouldn't cover the cost. I would highly recommend seeing a orthotic specialist to see if it would work for you. Good Luck! (I'm 53, female, on gilenya and ampyra, dx in 1985)

[MikeonABike]

Very helpful information

I have just been given an AFO and trying to get used to it. It does help a lot. I was able to test the WalkAide a while back an am waiting to see if my insurance will cover any of the cost (which I doubt). I really want the WalkAide to work for me because I really want to be able to keep up with my wife when we walk. Without anything, I can not make it even a mile... Thanks again for the good information !!!!

[BigA]

I use the Ossur foot-up for my mild foot drop, but I've been looking at the Step Smart which is nothing short of elegant and works for more severe foot drop. I think it's worth checking out. It's not bulky and you can't see it wearing pants.

[MikeonABike]

Approved for a WalkAide

Fortunately, my insurance co will be picking up the tab for 80 or 90% of the cost of a WalkAide.

I am scheduled to get it tomorrow 4/24/13.

I will report back on how it works

[jjcrick]

Yea!

Congrats. I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me.

[MikeonABike]

WalkAide

So far, so good. Thanks. I just need to train myself how to walk using it. The electrical pulses keeps throwing me off gaurd....

[jjcrick]

Awesome! Glad it's going well for you!

[mfog023]

I have bi-lateral foot drop for many years now and have been through the gamut of afo's and now a Bioness L300. First let me say, though I use the L300 primarily I still have a well fitting AFO just in case the L300 is not working correctly. No problems at this time but if left with nothing I will need to walk barefoot so I can toss my legs. So get the AFO fitted correctly.

I love my L300 and it has so improved my quality of life. Similar to another poster here I don't have to concentrate as hard and continually look down. The L300 also exercises my feet because it is a different form of a functional electric simulator. It has also been fun to just buy shoes again. Now the Walk-Aide lets you pretty much wear anything while the L300 has a foot sensor that needs to attach to the bottom and side of the foot, but still as an example I can still wear open shoes.

The Walk-Aide did not work as well as my foot drop required the foot sensor. Insurance did not cover but I has help from various places which was amazing.

Overall, I love my L300 and am able to walk more normal and faster.

** Moderator's note - Post broken into paragraphs for easier reading. Many people with MS have visual difficulties that prevent them from reading large blocks of print. **

[duckfan]

My husband has been using a Bioness L300 for his foot drop for about 6 years. It's kept him upright. I have no doubt that he would have to use a wheelchair if it wasn't for the Bioness.

He's a disabled Veteran from the Vietnam war and the VA provided the Bioness and continues to supply him with the electrodes. It was a fight to get them to pay for it but well worth it.

[cavalier80]

I've been using a Walkaide for about 2 months and absolutely love it. The improvement is obvious and remarkable. Advice I would give is to buy and have it fitted by a really good orthotist. The first time I tried the WalkAide (about 18 months ago) the orthotist just gave it to me to take home and try out. I did, but was disappointed with the device. I tried again this year, through a different orthotist. I saw him weekly for about 3 months as he programmed and fitted the WalkAide and trained my gait and stride. All before letting me take it home for a weekend trial. Unbelievable difference in the effectiveness of the device, and for me well worth the cost (even if insurance won't cover). Good luck!