Shrinking muscles

[KarenUSA]

I’ve worn an AFO for 5 years to help with foot drop on my right foot. Now i’m wearing a KAFO to prevent me from hyper extending my knee and this brace also helps pick up my foot. What i’ve noticed happening, is my thigh and calf muscles are shrinking in size. Difinately the muscles are atrophying. I’m concerned about this shrinking muscle mass. Anyone else experiencing this?

[KarenUSA]

I did notice the muscles were smaller before the KAFO. I’m wondering if using these braces prevents the muscles from working so they lose strength and size.

[Kenu]

This is why I switched to TurboMed brace. It’s allowed my calf and tendon muscle to strengthen , not like old AFO. 👍😉🙏 Ken

[KarenUSA in reply to Kenu]

I’ve never heard of a TurboMed brace. How is it different? Does it use electrical stimulation like a Walkaid or Bioness unit?

[Kenu in reply to KarenUSA]

No it fits on the outside of your shoe. Holds your foot up, but allows more movement to your calf muscles. They are made in Canada 🇨🇦 and my orthopedic ordered it for me. “[e-mail]” Its worked great for me 👍 Has worked to keep me from hyperextening me knee😊👍🙏 Ken

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Kenu]

Kenu I took my other AFO's back and said no way!😄 And Then had a discussion on how in 3appts there is no way, she should have put me in those!😒 So now I'm going to try something that wraps around my calf, then just slides under my foot? Ever try that?

J 🌠

[KarenUSA in reply to Jesmcd2]

My AFO does wrap around my calf and goes under my foot. There is also a hinge that flexes to lift my foot.

[Kenu in reply to Jesmcd2]

No, post a photo if possible. I always like to see what is out there 🤷🏼‍♂️👍😉🙏 Ken

[KarenUSA in reply to Kenu]

Great info. I will investigate these braces. I impressed that it also keeps the knee from hyper extending.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to KarenUSA]

Definitely do some research on on them KarenUSA I didn't😐 big mistake. Big BIG Mistake!😐😄😭😄 I'm my own worst advocate😌

J 🌠

[Betennant]

It is most likely MS atrophy. Keep them moving. The nerves supporting the muscles continue into the peripheral areas via the joints. So both suffer. Keep moving. It will help. I have done exercises in bed when I couldn’t do them standing or walking, Mine is the painful kind but I push hard to remain upright, so your joints don’t get worse spasticity, avascular necrosis and lock up and grow together. I had complete hip replacement so I would would be able to walk after two years in a wheel chair. Sitting in the wheelchair I exercised by pulling up my thigh and foot to keep them strong. Then the joint dissolved so they replaced it. And in three very painful weeks, I walked with a walker. MS moved to the other side and they wanted to replace my left knee. I said no because of the even more painful and longer recovery.period and I know I would give up. I’m 66. Maybe your doctor can help. I have no new Neuro and the last one is in deep doo doo for drug reasons (unethical). If you can walk,walk and If you can swim, swim. I tried to learn over and over but have poor coordination. I sink. And so I walk. Last year was a year of most days migraines and very hot for our state. I didn’t get out much. I moved around in my house. I am hoping to do better this year. I can’t afford a housekeeper. It gets a lick and a promise. One knee is only partially able to bend but I keep trying. I must push moving past my brain telling me I can’t. During total fatigue, I get more rest. Hyalauronic acid helps the pain of my knee some. I get it from a pill but the shots would probably work better if you get worse and are so affected.

[KarenUSA]

Thanks for your reply. I wondered if MS itself was the main cause of the muscle atrophy. But also wondered if the braces also contributed because they limited using the muscles. I will keep pushing through to keep walking and swimming.