Is there a health page on foot braces or devices that help foot drop?

I tried to find some info here, but couldn't seem to come across any.  I was told I needed one today, and it has just really upset me. I am willing to do whatever it would take to make myself better, just having a "vain" issue.

I would love to hear from any of you that you had one, and it helped, and it was temporary. So, is this a possibility?  I know I could always be worse, just feeling the "whoa is me" tonight and doesn't help that my foot feels that it is on fire once again.

Thanks,
Michelle

[Lulu54]

Michelle,
This is an excellent question to post -  you have me wondering how many of our community family uses special equipment like this for mobility.

I don't use anything (yet!) but did click on one of the sponsored links here - walkaide.com - and got a packet of info from them and a phone call from a very nice technician who does fittings.

I hope someone here can be of help to you wit this question.

Lulu

[rendean]

Hi Michelle,
This is the link I was talking about earlier:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/AFOs/show/778703.

There are many more if you use the green bar on the upper right that says "Search this community". I just entered AFo and it came upp with 5 pages. I didn't read all just was hunting for this particular one I remembered.

Hang in there and pick your destination place!!

hugs,
Ren

[michelleric]

Lulu,
I saw the walkaide picture you were talking about it. I will check it out. I didnt even notice these side adds before. Thanks for pointing it out.


Ren,
Thanks for the link. I tried to find something myself on here, but couldn't. You gave me some good info. thanks.

I am up in the middle of the night, AGAIN, due to pain and stiffness in my leg. My foot is just burning, I think the PT yesterday "aggravated" my leg.

Thanks again,

Michelle

[Lulu54]

Michelle,
Those ads are always present and are set to track the discussions going on and match ad content with our interests.

If you pull up a discussion on something else, such as bladders, you will find all sorts of continence ads.

Everyonce in a while I find something intersting that pops up - I just looked at a program  at the University of Illinois, Chicago - its a masters of science degree in health informatics.  i have not a clue what that is, but will check it outjust for fun.

[AmishErin]

I have AFO's in my basement.  I needed them for about 6 months, but havent used them in a few years.  I didn't do any research whatsoever before hand... my doctor said I needed them and I went and got them.  The doctor who fitted me asked me which kind I wanted, I said that I was just told to get some so he gave me this hard kind where the foot cannot move up or down at all when you walk.

They were made of molded plastic and they cover the back half of my leg from just below the knee to the bottom of my foot just before my toes.  I had to go back in about 6 times and have them refit.  They were hot and rubbed on my skin if I didn't wear very long socks under them.  Also I only had one pair of shoes that would fit over them.

After I had them for a while I had been into physical therapy and she asked me why I hadn't got the ones that have 2 pieces on the foot instead.  I told her I didn't know.  I also walk a bit more on the outsides of my feet... I can't remember what this is called... but that might have been the reason that they just put me in the hard one pieces.  It could have been because I had no idea what I was getting when I went and got them as well.

When I wanted to not use them anymore I tried going as long as I could in the morning without putting them on.  I would get used to them and after having them on I wouldn't be able to walk without them.

I have a corner of my laundry room where I keep things that I don't need this week but in the future, or in the past....

I have a wheel chair, a walker, 8 canes and my afo's (my boys called them bionicles after that cartoon that was on years back)

I wore mine mostly during the fall winter and spring.  They do look funny but you can cover them.  They do make you walk better and you can get out of them again.

I had some serious falls before I got mine.

Good luck

[michelleric]

Thank you for your post. Makes me feel better knowing that this is "temporary" and might just me a solution that will indeed help.

Sounds like it worked for you and you are doing well these days. Gives me LOTS of hope, and THAT is just what I needed. Thanks!

It is also good for me to know about different types, and I will be sure to ask about it.

Thanks again,
Michelle