Re: drop foot braces

[Guest guest]

it really depends if drop foot is your ONLY gait problem. What are the choices

you are looking into?

I have been wearing braces for 25 years and the needs change over the years.

drop foot braces

 

Can anyone tell me which drop foot braces work for them. There are a few

different styles available and i like to know which style works best.

[Guest guest]

I agree, I depends upon if toe drop is your only issue. There are soooo many

options out there so I understand your confusion.

I was diagnosed in 2003 and initially wore shoes that were attached to metal

braces that went up the sides of my legs. This was attached to a circular

thingie which wrapped around my calf and had velcro straps. The bottom of the

shoe, below the sole, had a metal plate. [i hope I described this okay]. This

worked great for years; however, they were heavy and I had to wear that one pair

of shoes with EVERYTHING. I am somewhat fashion conscious so that was a little

un-cool

I eventually lobbied my doctor and insurance company to allow me to have a

second pair, so I opted to get tennis shoes. Years later technology advanced and

I was made aware of " carbon fiber " . I went to Hanger Prosthetics, a local

company here in Sacramento. Carbon fiber was nice because I could insert them

any shoe. Essentially, they wrapped around my calf [in a S type fashion] and

then ended up with a circular thingie which wrapped around my calf with velcro

straps. I loved them....both versatile and light.

Well, within two weeks they started to crack in the heel. WHAT?? The material

was supposed to be the same stuff they used on the latest space shuttle. I am a

little over weight but hey, I don't eat that many donuts?? I went back to

Hanger and they gentlemen who had fit me was no longer there?? The next tech

said that " plastic " may be better for me because of how I walk, how my feet hit

the floor, life style, and desire to wear different shoes. I was skeptical at

first because, " how could PLASTIC truly last " .

Well, they did a mold and eventually the braces came in. It has been 14 months

now and I am completely happy.

Moral to this story: The person who sees you needs to look at your feet, measure

them, take a mold up to the knee, watch you walk, and get a clear understanding

of your lifestyle. They should make a few suggestions and ya just gotta go with

your gut feeling on what will work best. When you get your braces, walk in the

office and wean yourself into them. Meaning, on the first few days just wear

them for an hour or two and then slowly work yourself up to a full day. If you

have ANY issues or feel anything goofy....let the tech know immediately. Like a

football player on the field, they should be able to make quick adjustments

based upon what they see. Now....Do Not be shocked if after a year or two or

three that you will need new braces. For instance, in my case....my body and

technology changed so I had to go out and revisit the bracing market.

I recently attended a conference in the Bay Area where a gentlemen explained

bracing and is EXTREMELY knowledgeable. I will see if I can get his contact

information. Perhaps he can answer a few questions for you. Hmmm, where do you

live?? Perhaps someone in our CMT group can suggest a good bracing person.

Rashid

[Guest guest]

My mother is using the Dictus Band which we heard about from someone

on this group. It is a simple ankle wrap with an elastic band that

attaches to the shoe and raises her toes while walking. They are

manufactured in Sweden but available for sale on Amazon. She is

getting custom orthotic inserts to wear with these also. She has had

AFOs and Ritchie braces, but likes how the Dictus Bands are working

for her. They are not expensive and can be returned if they do now

work for you.

There are lots of choices, but we are glad we found these.

Faith

[Guest guest]

I've been really happy with the Noodle by Bader Prosthetics and Orthotics in

Tampa. They will work with your local orthotist if you aren't in Tampa. These

are very lightweight and thin but work great. There are a couple of videos on

youtube check them out there.

Bob

[Guest guest]

,

I found these on the internet and they are great.  Have a look at www.ossur.com

Eilish