My AFOs experience for Cindy

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I just got my first pair of AFOs, and am happy to report to you,

that Yes, they do help all those things! 3 yrs ago I tried the

in shoe orthotics molded to my foot, but for some reason, they

were so uncomfortable that after paying $300.00 out of my own

pocket, I didn't choose to wear them, as they did not help me.

I can still walk without my AFOs, I have CMT type 1B, and I would

say I am moderately affected. My balance is bad, and my knees

hyper extend, I have foot drop, and can not walk heel to toe.

I run and walk up stairs on my toes, I have very weak ankles

and Hypertrophic calves with a narrow heel, high pes cavus arch,

wide foot, and a high instep. I have hammer and claw toes which

do not move at all, with the exception of my big toe. The AFOs

have helped me balance, walk heel to toe, and my knees do NOT

hyper extend when I wear them. With the balance issue, I feel

more " secure " when I don't feel off balance! The AFOs are still

new to me, and I am still getting used to them, it has only been

two weeks, but I simply love them, as well as the fact that I

don't have to wear them at all times, only when I will be walking

alot, then I will just bring along another pair of shoes in case

I need to take a break from them. I did notice that my feet get

very " burny " feeling when wearing them too long, and that is from

someone whom is always cold! Good luck with your decision, I know

it's tough getting past the realization that one may need them, I

too fought myself over it, but very glad I chose to get them! :-)

Take Care, Love, Tina:-)

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