Guest guest Posted January 10, 2005 Report Share Posted January 10, 2005 ; I have never been to a gait clinic but I do have hinged AFOs. Mine are assisted in dorsiflection, in other words they have a spring to help pull my foot up. More important (to me) is the plantar stop that only allows my toes to flex downward so far. This seemed to be my, excuse my pun, " Achille's Heel " as I would step on something with my heel and turn my ankle. I venture to say that I haven't once turned an ankle since getting them! The hinge is quite strong as I am a BIG active guy and haven't managed to break one so far. I can't vouch for the weak thighs but I am willing to bet that something can be done for you without resorting to KAFO's. Hugs Jim Nash in ice stricken West Liberty, Ohio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2005 Report Share Posted January 11, 2005 Jim: I'm interested in your braces that are hinged, The ones I have are not hinged & as a result, when I wear them, my ankles are virtually immobilized. I am nearly 80 yrs old and wear them when I go out of the house to do errands or yardwork. I think hinged ones would allow a bit of a spring in my step. Where did you get your AFOs? Thanks for sharing, & keep on shoveling, in the Land of the Illini Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2005 Report Share Posted January 11, 2005 Hiya : I wear the type of AFO you ask about with the hinge at the ankle. I've graduated from the left leg to having both now. They seem to have slowed down the falling caused by weakened ankles, however, I still do have those days of stumbling and balance issues when walking. I normally use my electric wheelchair so when I mention walking, it is extremely limited in time and distance. What I like about the type of AFO I now have is that they support my lower legs all the way to the toes with a special metatarsal (sp) pad installed in each brace to help stabilize my toes. The only down side of late has been the burning sensation returning. I've discovered through time it's cyclical and it will pass for a while and then return. It's important that if you do get this or any other type of AFO, you have it adjusted periodically to insure proper fit and benefit from their use. A good orthotist knows this and will advise you in that regard. The point is not to give up on the use of the AFO because it " hurts " initially - rather, go back to the orthotist and have them adjusted until you are comfortable wearing them. rQn I Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 12, 2005 Report Share Posted January 12, 2005 I've been wearing the standard AFO for 29 years or so now, so AFOs in general aren't new to me, but the idea of switching to a hinged AFO is something entirely different. I haven't had the ability to raise or lower my foot in ages, and both ankles have been fused as a child to prevent rolling of the ankle. I guess I'll see what MDA says Feb 1st at the gait clinic. It's going to be interesting... And, I agree 100%, that if your braces hurt your feet, they're not properly adjusted. I can vouch for that one after 29 years! :-) ~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2005 Report Share Posted January 15, 2005 , My AFOs were made by -Philipis of Detroit, Toledo and Indianapolis, they were prescribed by Dr. Shy's clinic at Wayne State University. They are wonderful! Jim Nash in Ohio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2005 Report Share Posted January 29, 2005 I had the " burning " sensation, too. Played around with the padding in my afo and found that after cutting a small area out above the ankle that it stopped. I think it was either pressing on a nerve or cutting off blood supply. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2006 Report Share Posted February 24, 2006 Hi Jimmy: Great poll question. My son has hinged AFOs, but his knees don't hyperextend..so I don't know if that's a factor for you. Cheers Sally Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 24, 2009 Report Share Posted December 24, 2009 I know what you are talking about, . I had one pair of non hinged AFOs and they were terrible. Walking down steps was miserable. Going up was ok going down was another thing. Having hinged ankles made all of the difference in the world. Bob > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 24, 2009 Report Share Posted December 24, 2009 We just got a recommendation to get my daughter fitted for new braces, & they are wanting to do the hinged AFOs. She has had a custom footbed with the Toe Off AFO for the past 2 years. The Toe Offs come up the front of the shin & the new ones will come up the back of her calf. I'm anxious for her to get the added mobility of the hinge, I'm curious if anyone else has transitioned from the Toe Off type, or simply other molded AFOs that come up the calf. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2010 Report Share Posted January 3, 2010 , Yes, I went from Toe Off to hinged braces. The transition was easy, but I broke the hinged braces also. I am not back in the market for braces and just not sure what I need anymore. This is my New Year's resolution to resolve this once and for all! Jackie > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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