Walk-On AFOs

[Guest guest]

Andy:

I started out with the Toe-Off and did have trouble with them cracking

on the inside at about ankle level. Then my orthotist changed me to

the Walk-On, about 2 years ago, and I haven't had anymore trouble.

Even tho these are pre-fab AFOs they aren't where you can just go out

and buy one, you still need a prescription. You're orthotist should

watch your gait with no AFO on to determine if the Walk-On or Toe-Off

will work for you.

My son, who is very lightweight for his height, likes the Toe-Off. He has been

wearing his for over a year without any breaks. They may not work for some

people, but to say that a pre-fab is not a good idea is being presumptuous; each

of us have different needs and desires that we should discuss with our

orthotist. It was actually my orthotist who recommended them to me. We like

these AFOs because they are light weight, not hot to wear, and you can fit them

in just about any type of shoe. I even wear sandals in the summer as long as

there is a back strap. Like you, I kept getting custom molded AFOs that were

just horrible. I'm glad I have the Walk-On. I never even think about the AFO on

my legs anymore.

in AR

[Guest guest]

,

Thank you much for the info on the Walk-On AFOs. In theory yes custom fitted

AFOs sounds better but it doesn't always work. Everyone is different and for

some the Custom made AFOs are great but I would like to see what are my options.

I had 5 doctors (Team approach) evaluate me and they told me the new braces

would make my life style much better since it would

offer much better support. When they made them I was actually excited and

optimistic and with my experience, as bad as it was really was not usually how I

am.

When I finally tried the first ones on the first time I needed a walker just to

take a few steps and even then I almost fell. My left foot was hiked up so I

couldn't put my foot flat on the ground and the right foot was pointing

completley to the right. They should not have let me leave the office with them

but they did.

When I went back to the " team " they took them and threw them away. They

appologized and said they would make me a better pair. The 2nd pair was even

worse. The 3rd pair, they were trying to make them just like the old ones.

When I questioned them with " why would I need braces just like my old ones when

I could just as well keep wearing them? " they really had no answer accept,

" maybe gait training

can help " .

I need something that can help me and I often take people who have CMT's advice

over a doctors because so far none have helped me. I am sure at least the

prefabricated ones at least point straight! Thanks again on the info and I will

let you know how I made

out.

Andy