AFO

[Guest guest]

I got my first AFO about 2o years ago but never wore them much.

About 10 years ago I got another pair of plastic AFO . These AFO

did not have an ankle hinge so I really hated them and never wore

them. This past year my balance has become pretty bad and I have

fallen a few times. I started wearing my old old AFO but the hinge

broke and I did not want to wear the AFO that didn't have a hinge.

So I went to the local MDA clinic. This time I got another pair of

plastic AFO with a hinge at the ankle . This allows me to have some

ankle movement which is great. I had to get a larger and wider size

sneaker . I take out the insert for more room in the sneaker. The

AFO hurt at first, but I have been back to get them reajusted at

least 3 times. Now they fit great and wear them most of the time. The

hinge sticks out which I hate, but I wear slacks to cover them. AGain-

-- anyone who has CMT should make an appointment to the MDA clinic.

If you don't have insurance or if your insurance doesn't cover

braces, MDA will help out.. All of my braces have been covered

through MDA. The orthopedic people working for the clinics are

usually pretty good.

[Guest guest]

It seems everyone gets used to them in different ways, mine lock my

knees when I stand or walk, that was something competely new since I

wore the metal braces with springs in the hinges for about 27 years.

Do you have a pad on top of the plastic under your foot?

A shock obsorbing odor-eater may help cushion the bottom of your feet.

Also remember different muscles, tendons, etc. are being used, so a

break-in period will need to be used, with wearing them longer when

possible.

Also have them adjusted as needed when you find a " pressure point " or

strap in the wrong place, etc.

The archives have a lot of postings on this subject.

[Guest guest]

,

Thank you for your help with my question. It helps alot. Thanks!!

Missy