L300 Drop Foot Brace

[Dthomp1]

I was wondering if anyone has used this brace through Bioness and what results did they achieve from it? I am looking into it and they are not cheep. Before I go into deep I wanted to have some outside feed back.

[Michelednlp]

I have not tried or used the brace but I'm sure someone will come along shortly with some info. 😊

[Morllyn]

This was cut and pasted from a pros & cons section of a review of the device you are talking about and others like it. FES is functional electrical stimulation.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society notes, however, that FES doesn't work for all people. The peroneal nerve needs to be able to pick up the signal from the device, and the muscles need to respond to the signal. MS complications can interfere with that process.

Also, potential buyers beware: There’s some controversy surrounding testing the devices. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society reports that some people lost their deposit when they tried returning a device that didn’t work for them, so be sure to test it before putting any money down and carefully read any paperwork before signing it.

Finally, consider that, over time, nerve pathways may deteriorate, and the FES can become less effective, warns the Multiple Sclerosis Trust, a British organization. Keeping all of this in mind and knowing the risks and benefits can help you decide if this device is right for you.

Hope this helps.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Dthomp1 we have had ALOT of discussion's about the Bioness. And other devices like it. If you type in Bioness in the search box at the top, you can read all about what happened with jimeka and Kj9681 .

Jes🌠

[ckf8687]

Good morning Dthomp1, I ha e been using my Bioness L300 now for a little over 2 years & all I have to say it's been a God sent for me....it is pricey & my insurance did not pay a dime but they truly work with you and break down monthly payments to ease the cost...thanks to this device I'm back at work once again...I'm happy to say I have one last payment left....the cost is indeed high but the benefits I've optain are beyond the high cost....I was constantly tripping & sometimes falling, I was becoming a hermit afraid of falling staying home all the time...now I'm productive once again & feel my foot drop has actually gotten better....all in all I have nothing but good things to say about this little expensive device well worth the money...it makes me feel like a normal productive human being once again...good luck to you I have nothing negative to say only it gave me life back...like everything ms affects everyone differently so you need to try it yourself....I was given a 30 day trial which then turn into another 30 before I decided I would buy, they really work with you so you can decide before purchasing...I believe you can also rent it out not to sure if that's still available like I said I started 2 years ago but have nothing other than praise for this device....

[Jbahnan]

hello dthomp, im in the process of getting one, I will post to let everyone how it is, I also have right foot drop.

[geenel99 in reply to Jbahnan]

Same here!

[Educator22]

Never have used Bioness, but have 2 Walkaides that have changed my life. No insurance coverage, "experimental!", GE Care Credit interest free!

[mrsmike]

I have been using the L300 since May 2016. I have had success with it. I walk so much better when I am wearing it. Yes it is pricey, but a small price to pay to keep you on your feet and moving.

[dmaskal1]

Dthomp1 I had my toe dropping before my heal when walking which caused me to trip myself when walking. I was prescribes physical therapy on an auto-ambulator which corrected my walk years ago. I was suspended over a tread mill and whenever I dropped my toe before my heal the tread mill would automatically stop. After only a couple weeks of physical therapy on the autopambulator my body relearned how to walk without dropping my toe before my heal. The training on the auto-ambulator and the physical therapist were all covered by my health insurance. Thus, I certainly recommend physical therapy with the auto-ambulator before purchase of a brace that's not covered by health insurance.

[Dthomp1]

Thank you for the info I am in therapy at this time and this is were I have tried the L300. Your way sounds good to.

[RobertCalifornia]

My PT tried the Bioness with me. It did not work well at all. The strength of the stimulus was so high it was uncomfortable and my foot went sideways before lifting. The PT was going to let me try the house owned Bioness for a week, but we decided it was not a good fit for me. Instead she tried me on a carbon fiber AFO. Insurance covered the entire cost. It works well especially on flat terrain. I do need to use my cane with it. I could get by over short distances without the cane, but now I do not go out without the brace. I got the Blue Rocker II by Allard. I am able to walk farther with it on.

[Eleyne92]

I haven't used one of those devices, but I wish I'd known about it when I was initially diagnosed. Foot drop was one of my major symptoms. With one of those walking aides, rather than an a bulky and inflexible AFO, I might have been able to keep walking.

I don't think my first neuro was so great with the non-CNS parts of the disease. 😢

[mrsmike]

Hi lois52, I didn't have any atrophy in my calf before using the L300. Let us know what you find out.

[rjoneslaw]

I posted awhile ago that I have the L300plus. I love it. Before I got the thigh part I tested the the calf and it worked great. If you have any questions just let me know. I also posted photos of it.

[Elle61 in reply to rjoneslaw]

I have a problem with my left leg, my ankle and now my knee are curving to the floor. At first I thought is was falling arch but now my knee is involved. What is the thigh part of you are talking about ? Do you think it might be for this problem? My Doc suggested looking into this brace for the foot, but what about the knee?

[rjoneslaw in reply to Elle61]

The thigh part helps to bend your leg. In my case it also prevents my leg from snapping back when I walk.

Because of the MS my leg locks up and I'm unable to bend it and when I started taking the meds my leg would snap back when I walked.

Well this past weekend I had to fast and as a result I couldn't take the meds. My leg locked up and I could not bend it. When I say I couldn't bend it several men tried to bend my leg and it wasn't going anywhere. The thigh part forced my leg to bend.

The down side is if you don't have the calf brace you can't get the thigh. The thigh works with the calf brace. When you lift your foot the foot is being picked up by the calf brace and the thigh brace activates to bend your leg

[Elle61 in reply to rjoneslaw]

Thanks for the info on it. My leg will sometimes feel like it wants to snap back...I watch out for that. I'm sorry your leg locked , I've never heard of that. Thanks again, Elle