Guest guest Posted December 27, 2009 Report Share Posted December 27, 2009 Jeanann here. 84 yrs old. I use two AFOs and a four leg walker with wheels on the front. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2009 Report Share Posted December 28, 2009 Hello, I do (wear 2 AFOs and use a cane for balance). I haven't fallen once with this configuration. Not very pretty or comfortable but it works! Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2009 Report Share Posted December 28, 2009 I used to have two AFOs and also a cane.....I'm in a wheelchair now however. Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2009 Report Share Posted December 28, 2009 Dear Elaine, I wear two AFOs. I manage without a cane at home, because the floor is level and I know where the furniture is. But I always use a cane when I go out. I could never manage curbs, cracks in the sidewalk, etc. without my trusty " third leg " . I could trip over a speck of dust. Ruth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2009 Report Share Posted December 28, 2009 Hi Elaine, I have been wearing two AFOs from the age of four, I'm now 56 Majority of the time I don't use a cane, only if I'm going to the mall Laine _ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2009 Report Share Posted December 28, 2009 Elaine - I'm 74 and wear one AFO on the left. Unbalance is increasing with age and I feel I'll have to use a cane in the future. When I stand up from sitting it helps to " get grounded " by touching something stationary for 10-15 seconds while my body gets " used " to the new position. A cane will help with that need. EdM from NH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2009 Report Share Posted December 28, 2009 An AFO does nothing for balance. An AFO is designed to prevent foot drop from tripping the wearer. In fact, an AFO may impair balance as the main muscles used in balance are those in the lower leg. The AFO limits the fine perceptions and movements these muscles use for balance control. Often these fine motor skills are already impaired by CMT so the presence of an AFO usually doesn't impair balance. When I questioned the need for an AFO, the prescribing doctor asked " Would you rather trip over a blade of grass and break a hip? " Well said. As for a cane I would advise using a forearm crutch instead of a cane. Look up my previous posts on forearm crutches for my arguments. They offer more balance support than a cane, and are quite useful in getting a seat on a bus and guaranteeing a " Body-free Zone " in crowds. Regards. --Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 28, 2009 Report Share Posted December 28, 2009 I tripped and fell while wearing 2 hinged AFOs, so I threw them in the closet. They made my balance worse, since I had no sense of feel while wearing them. I was also using a walker at the time. Within the past 18 months, I have progressed from a 4-prong cane to a walker and now I use a motorized wheelchair. It's great, breaks down into 3 pieces and stows in trunk. I have my life back...it's a great feeling. Got a great price on it from a vendor in FL, I ordered it and they delivered it in a couple days, plus no tax or shipping, half the price of the 'land store' in my city. I just turned 60. Jeanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2009 Report Share Posted December 29, 2009 Jeanne, I didn't have an trouble with my unhinged AFOs....but then when I got hinged AFOs ..metal..I did the same as you. They are sitting in the closet. I hate the heavy darn things, besides that they tangle into each other at the inside of my ankles. Like I need to fall some more! Makes me so mad....I'm still paying for the useless things. I'm in a chair too. Geri I tripped and fell while wearing 2 hinged AFOs, so I threw them in the closet. They made my balance worse, since I had no sense of feel while wearing them. I was also using a walker at the time. Within the past 18 months, I have progressed from a 4-prong cane to a walker and now I use a motorized wheelchair. It's great, breaks down into 3 pieces and stows in trunk. I have my life back...it's a great feeling. Got a great price on it from a vendor in FL, I ordered it and they delivered it in a couple days, plus no tax or shipping, half the price of the 'land store' in my city. I just turned 60. Jeanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 29, 2009 Report Share Posted December 29, 2009 Nina here, Age 39, I have bilateral AFOs and use a folding cane for balance and support. Happy New Year To Everyone. Nina in Stockton CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 22, 2010 Report Share Posted January 22, 2010 i disagree...my afos give me better balance than i have without them....i guess we all are different > > An AFO does nothing for balance. An AFO is designed to prevent foot drop from tripping the wearer. In fact, an AFO may impair balance as the main muscles used in balance are those in the lower leg. The AFO limits the fine perceptions and movements these muscles use for balance control. Often these fine motor skills are already impaired by CMT so the presence of an AFO usually doesn't impair balance. > > When I questioned the need for an AFO, the prescribing doctor asked " Would you rather trip over a blade of grass and break a hip? " > > Well said. > > As for a cane I would advise using a forearm crutch instead of a cane. Look up my previous posts on forearm crutches for my arguments. They offer more balance support than a cane, and are quite useful in getting a seat on a bus and guaranteeing a " Body-free Zone " in crowds. > > Regards. > > --Larry > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2010 Report Share Posted January 23, 2010 I also disagree. My balance is horrible without my AFOs. K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2010 Report Share Posted January 23, 2010 There are different AFOs. Mine (Blue Rocker) are very good for my balance. Without them I can only stand still without support for seconds. With them, for at least 15 minutes (havn't tried for longer but could probably do it if needed). I have tripped with them once!!! since I got them last April. It was when I was walking my cat, who can walk on a leash, but after an hour of walking she got tired and I lifted her. She started to move restlessly and I lost my balance. That's excellent statistics for the AFOs,because I walk a lot, outdoors too. I wear the AFOs all day, except mornings and evenings. This doctor is probably ignorant about CMT and AFOs! Beata Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2010 Report Share Posted January 23, 2010 I agree too, my AFOs help my balance and for sure its much better than I have without them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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