Foot brace/supports

[chuckles333]

Hi All i would like to hear about foot supports i had insoles made many years ago i did not find they help greatly. I had a Therapist visit mentioned foot splint iv'e look on NHS & seen so many types. My cousin had some fitted she said they make her walking better. I find i need something to support my foot drop & specially my ankles they feel the strain all the time. Those who have been down the road with NHS i like to hear your views.

[HorshamMalc]

I have AFOs (Ankle Foot Orthotics) supplied by the NHS. They are L shaped plastic orthotics that go inside the shoe and strap to your calf. They are black and with long dark socks and trousers are quite discrete. They help me enormously though can be a little uncomfortable at first. A degree of 'tweeking' may be required with padding and, in my case, a hot air gun to reshape them slightly. I use them with MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology) 'rocker' soled shoes, which give the rolling motion lost when you can't raise your weight onto your toes when walking. It's a solution that works for me and allows me to walk fairly normally. It doesn't help with balance when standing still though.

[Heavyboned- in reply to HorshamMalc]

Hi

Just new to this site, and nosing through. 50 years old, fit, but have type 1B diagnosed eventually (but it is fairly mild by all accounts) after cramping too much off road motorcycling....

Anyway, I went to see a foot surgeon who just said to brace the right foot and wear special shoes......not for me just yet, so I made my own orthotics but they bulk a bit and so need bigger shoes.

Long and short of it is now, I’ve found a foot surgeon (and knee but both private) who’s done loads of work with CMT people, and two weeks ago he’s corrected the right forefoot (fused big toe, and rest 1st metatarsal), and will do the heel and tendons once I’ve had the knee straightened (which is a big operation).

So far, it looks like ok.

Chap is Ali Abbasian who is in the process of setting up in a new clinic in London and is really personable. Hope this helps anyone thinking of stuff to surgically correct bits.......

Andy (Horsham)

[Thel]

Hi Chuckles I use a boxer brace,it's soft wrap around with Velcro fastening and lifts my drop foot and makes it easier for walking. I couldn't wear the metal round the leg braces they were to uncomfortable for me,speak to orthotics maybe this will suit you,but everyone has different needs good luck.

[lowther1]

I have braces on both feet because of foot drop. They have changed my life I now waik with more confidence. You need to be refered to Orthotics, mine took a while to get have had them for 3 years now. Good luck.

[Amanita]

Hi, Chuckles,

First, we are all different and what works for some of us won't help for all. MBT is fine for some people, but not others. Perhaps it depends on your sense of balance.

My first experience was with fabric and Velcro supports , which weren't much help. They were followed by semi-rigid devices which fastened with long laces which were difficult to do up, and kept tangling.

Eventually , the NHS orthotist (a more helpful one this time) rather reluctantly had some ankle boots made, and after more time he made me some rigid plastic splints (AFOs, or ankle foot orthoses) When they finally made boots that fitted me, these plus the AFOs, made me feel much more stable.

You just have to be persistent, and hope that your local NHS orthotist is helpful, and listens.

Good luck.

[Primary-Bursar]

I have foot ups for my drop foot problem. You need lace up shoes as these are 2 part. A soft padded ankle cuff which fastens with Velcro. This then attaches by a plastic fastener to a part which attaches to your shoes by threading your laces through it. Again I got these by being referred to the orthotics department and I haven’t had any problems whilst wearing them. I also have a crutch for my balance.

[Anneatregency]

I have had orthotics fitted by NHS podiatry service in Southport. They stress that one needs a review every 12 months. I am pleased with the service I have had there.

[chuckles333]

Did your doctor ask for the this from the NHS hospital for a revue for fitting, i had a communal therapist come & see me but i feel it may be better to approach my doctor. She was more concerned in giving many other aids, not with my mobility with walking.

[Kenu]

I have had TurboMed brace for year 👍 Love it 😊. Ken

[Flbeachwine]

Hi Chuckles, my neurologist refered me to an orthotics company with a prescription for AFOs. When I saw the sample I said to myself how are these going to help me. Now I am eating those words. They make all the difference in the world. I carry a cane just in case. It's like a baby with a pacifier. May never need it but it's by my side in case.