AFO for foot drop

[Luv2Worship]

I just picked up my APO today! My husband was with me & he was so shocked when he saw me walk with it on! My leg is sore but I have no doubt that it is because I went from serious foot drag (which has not only caused bursitis in my hip but also sped up some degeneration in my back due to screwed up gait) to almost a perfect gait. I cried!!

I tried on the carbon fiber type APO but I need more ankle support so I have the plastic one. The really cool part is that my Ortho Dr. can add a design to the material. I figured that if I'm going to need to wear it I'd rather people ask me about the design before they asked about the disability, so mine is leopard print! It definitely makes a statement & keeps things humorous! My friends think its perfect for me!!

[KoKo]

Hi Luv2

I just picked up my APO today! My husband was with me & he was so shocked when he saw me walk with it on! My leg is sore but I have no doubt that it is because I went from serious foot drag (which has not only caused bursitis in my hip but also sped up some degeneration in my back due to screwed up gait) to almost a perfect gait. I cried!!

That is wonderful! So happy for you.

It is pretty amazing how beneficial the AFO is. I walk so much better with mine too (now if I could just get rid of the balance issues...).

I tried on the carbon fiber type APO but I need more ankle support so I have the plastic one.

Thanks for sharing that. I've been wondering how supportive the carbon ones are. I need the maximum support, and have the plastic type also.

Wow - leopard print! Cool!

Wishing you good walking days ahead!

Take care,
KoKo

[drmarc]

Koko or anyone...

What does AFO stand for?

Also, my partner has trouble walking due to fatigue and the neurons not getting through....he has SPMS....I would like to know if the AFO would assist with this type of problem due to MS, or is it only useful for those that can still walk distances?

Thanks!

drmarc

[Patti3250]

I don't know what AFO stands for. I think your partner may be more inclined to try the walk aide or the Ness L300 which is an electrical stim type of device that helps with the neurons......I dont have much fatigue...I use the AFO for my foot drop and it does work great....just really inconvenient with taking on and off to drive or to shop with trying on clothes and shoes.

[KoKo]

Hi drmarc

AFO stands for Ankle Foot Orthotic.

I have foot drop on my right foot and this AFO helps to pick my foot up while walking.

Without it, I have to drag my leg and lift from the hip as the muscle which controls the flexion of my foot is paralyzed.

If you google AFO, you can see what they look like. I've had the same one for several years. It was custom fitted (a plaster type mold was formed on my leg, and then sent to be made).

Take care,
KoKo

[Larry in OR]

...if you have mild to moderate drop foot. I have late-onset tibial myopathy in both legs that has gotten to the point where I need afo's for both feet to prevent trips and falls. I've tried most AFO's from plastic to carbon fiber to elastics and this one is the most comfortable and best in-use for me. It will not assist with stability so much but if you need help with toe lift you will appreciate it, I'm sure. It is relatively cheap at 98 bucks per foot and even available on Amazon . com.

good luck

[mfog023]

I have the light carbon ones and am overall happy. Because I have limited ankle support I have had to be careful. When I started the Ampyra I was able to benefit more from the the light carbon ones.

I tried to get the Walk Aide after an evaluation at Hanger indicated I was a great candidate. Insurance company denied the Walk Aide twice now. Hanger offered my a trial one but I am concerned that if the insurance company won't pay in the end I will be back to square one and even more frustrated.

[ressa]

I picked my AFO today and was really excited. I had no problem walking with the DRs, however, once I left the office and as time went on I felt fatigued. I could not wait to free my legs. I know it will take a lot of getting used too. I have four visits left so we are working with the AFO.

It seems like the braces pushing my feet to the end of the shoe causing my toes to rub the top of my shoe. Any suggestions? I don't think I'll be wearing them to work tomorrow.. Just in around home until I get comfortable with them. Any shoe suggestions? I really want them so to work because I have the foot drop on my left and trip and going upstairs is a challenge...

[jbell2435]

Glad I saw this thread! Now I'm excited to get mine. I tried one on when 1st dx a month ago and it really helped me walking. My foot drop is mild and on r foot only, but that is also the weak leg, so I have trouble lifting from the hip too. They are putting a hinge at the ankle to help with that movement. The thing I'm worried about is driving with it?? Any advise from those who have one? Thanks.

[cara_lea]

I just recently saw an ad for the "walk aide". When I called the neuro about it they said I needed to look into the AFO first. I have an appointment with her in July but I'm thinking of making an earlier one if I think the device will help me.

I deal with fatigue every day but the last two weeks I've mostly been in bed because it is so exhausting to walk. It's not that I can't, it's just so hard. I thought after two weeks of mostly being in bed I was starting to get better but today after walking up and down stairs a few times I'm back in bed. How do I know if my walking issue can be helped with an AFO? I'm so tired of resting! (know what I mean?)

[shaypay20]

Well.. a while back i bought a Bioness L300 and it worked for a few months but no longer needed it cuz i don't have foot drop.. But my right foot now has gotten weaker and is kinda hard to pick up.. I wonder if a AFO would help me.. What kind or brand is everyone getting?

[ddsan]

I was just fitted for an AFO -- black mesh -- light weight. I
had to learn to walk with it. It does seem to help, but it is not something I like to wear all the time. Have to get a larger shoe size which is problematic for the other foot. I have to give it more time, I guess. The Bioness did not send the signal down my leg well -- the AFO technician said he wished they tried the Walk Aid as that seems to have better results. My neuro referred me to a PT doctor who pushed for the AFO over the Bioness. After 20 years with this disease, it is taking its toll.

[M.A.F]

Scooter, i had the same thing happen to me on monday, its the same brace you got and it works good.i still cant walk very far on my own but at lest i can take a few steps.mark

[mfog023]

Hopefully you will adjust to your new AFO and use it effectively in all situations. My orthotist is pretty creative with me. I have many different types which I use based on the situation. On thing we did develop for when I need ankle support is that he made a plastic molded one which is very small almost like a bootie. That can be inserted inside my carbon fiber Ottobot AFO (spelling could be wrong). This gives me the ultimate of support which is essential when I am walking a lot or hiking.
My Orthotist is here in Arizona and is pretty amazing and creative. He has a disability himself so he understands. Ask whoever does your AFO's to think outside the box.

[djones49]

Greetings,

I went the local medical school orthotics department about a month ago to get an arch support for my shoes, and the orthotics tech observed how my left leg drags. When I went back to get the arch support the tech suggested I try an AFO that might help me walk better, and I'm sure glad he did.

He recommended I discuss this with my neurologist who would need to write a prescription. My neurologist prescribed an ultra lightweight carbon fiber AFO which I took back to the orthotics department last Friday. They have these in stock - they're not custom devices. Here's what I got:

Two (for the left foot & right foot) Matrix Max ultra lightweight carbon fiber AFOs, manufactured by Trulife in Washington state

The total cost was approximately $1900 and my insurance paid all but $350, which I paid out of pocket.

I've been wearing the AFOs all day long since I got them on Friday and I'm very satisfied with them. I still need my cane, but I can walk upright without my feet dragging. This is the best thing I've had since I started Tysabri infusions.

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