Guest guest Posted July 22, 2008 Report Share Posted July 22, 2008 Hi all, I went to the Doctor today to discuss AFOs. They think I do need them. The custom made ones are so expensive so for now we are going to try the ones they give at the Dr office to see if they will work. The ones I got today are just a white plastic piece that goes down the back of my lower leg and foot and at the top just below the knee is a velcrow piece that comes around. I want something that will help me walk and to keep my feet from turning inwards. Has anyone ever tried these? And if so how did you think they worked? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 23, 2008 Report Share Posted July 23, 2008 I tried the type of AFO you described and, unfortunately, it did not work for me. Although it did help with the foot drop, it did not address the problem of the feet turning (outwards in my case). I also hyperextended my knee when I walked in them. I have tried two other types of braces that have worked well for both the foot drop and the turning. One is Townsend, a metal brace, and the other is Ultra flex, another plastic type. My insurance covered most of the cost, so I don't know what the cost would be without insurance. Everyone of us is different however, and the braces you were given may work well for you. Make sure the doctor watches you walk in them and wear shorts or roll up your pants above the knee so she can see if you are walking properly. J. Warren From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of cmcubbage Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 2:02 PM Subject: Re: Question about AFOs Hi all, I went to the Doctor today to discuss AFOs. They think I do need them. The custom made ones are so expensive so for now we are going to try the ones they give at the Dr office to see if they will work. The ones I got today are just a white plastic piece that goes down the back of my lower leg and foot and at the top just below the knee is a velcrow piece that comes around. I want something that will help me walk and to keep my feet from turning inwards. Has anyone ever tried these? And if so how did you think they worked? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 23, 2008 Report Share Posted July 23, 2008 , The rigid plastic AFOs are exactly what I've been wearing for 5 years. However, the orthotist casted my legs and feet for a proper fit, then ordered the AFOs to the exact specifications of my legs and feet. They have worked wonderfully for me, coupled with good New Balance shoes. The key to success is an exact fit. If they just gave you some at the doctor's office to " try " , I don't understand how they could have been specially made for you. If that's the case, I don't think you'll be happy and will not able to give a fair assessment of how they would work for you. You need to see an orthotist with a prescription for AFOs from your doctor. Insurance and or Medicare will cover them. K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 24, 2008 Report Share Posted July 24, 2008 I'm getting the same kind through my doctor too--should have in about three weeks. I still can't imagine how I'm going to walk in them, but I need them for strength and balance. ==Suzanne in TN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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