AFOs experience

[Guest guest]

My husband has bi-lateral AFO's since 1994. His are plastic,

molded to fit his foot deformity, and are hinged at the ankle

to allow a small degree of movement. His right ankle is bent

toward the right so far that it touches the ground when he

walks, the AFOs keep this ankle stabilized. His left ankle is

slowly turning the same way, but we think the AFOs have slowed

the progression to " break over " .

His biggest challenge is getting shoes to fit braces inside,

and not having his toes rub on the tops of the inside of the

shoes. Another challenge is getting pants/clothes to fit over

the braces, since they go up to just below his knees.

Recently, he has been trying to wear velcro sandals with socks

around the house instead of his braces, to cut down on the wear

and tear on the braces and his feet. He has been having more

and more difficulty with " rub " spots on his ankles and toes.

He also has a lot more of the " nerve burning up " sensation in

his feet lately, and tried Neurontin to no avail. He uses

mainly Motrin for pain and inflammation.

We have often wondered if the ankle fusion would help him, and

have been very interested in all your posts on the subject.

Ultimately, I think it is a very individual decision, the pros

and cons vary so much.

Thank you for all your information and support.

[Guest guest]

<<He has been having more

and more difficulty with " rub " spots on his ankles

and toes.>>

Hi :

These spots usually mean the brace needs an adjustment...

it is a warning sign. My AFOss require and array of padding

on the inside which further corrects the foot/ankle

positions on both feet. As time goes by, our feet and legs

change a bit and corrections can be made or new AFOs need to

be fitted. I see my orthotist 2-3 times each year for this.

I would definitely look into that before I consider surgery.

I've had the surgeries and have worn AFOs for over 10 years.

Melody