drop foot and brace

I have had drop foot and problems walking for many years. It wasn't till a pain management doctor gave me a slip for the brace for foot drop. Walking better now. I am annoyed at all the Ms specialist I have seen over the years, who watched me walk every time and never said a word about drop foot and brace. Anyone else?

[falalalala]

I see a chiropractor who when asked about the foot brace told me that it'd be better to not give in to it just yet. The reasons being muscle control & atrophy.

That being said, I have seen comments on this site extolling the virtues of these devices & how they've been helped by them.

I think it's just a matter of doing what you think is best for yourself.

[CraigS]

I received a very light carbon fiber brace to help with drop foot, now I spend most of my time in my electric wheelchair. I’ve found that my Kaiser folks are very eager to help me out. I only hope everyone can get the same level of care. Good luck in your treatment, always ask for what you need and don’t take “No” for an answer. There’s always a way.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Hi Hidden welcome to a place where we share all kinds of secrets, about MS, footdrop, fatigue, yoga, canes....

I AM really sorry that they didn't pay attention to your footdrop. I know the feeling. I bought my own braces for the longest time!

I am glad they are listening now tho! And your walking better!

Welcome to the family!🤗💕

Jes🌠

[Kenu]

TurboMedtronics makes a great leg brace that can be used on almost all shoes. ℹ found these on my own and my pcp wrote me a prescription and I took it to orthotics and they ordered it for me. I am on my second one know and really happy with it. It allows you keep strength in your calf and tendons with less atrophy 👍 People run 🏃‍♀️ in this and hike. Maybe an option for you. Ken 🐾🐾

[rjoneslaw]

I have been wearing Bioness for my footdrop since 2016 and I love it.

[goatgal]

I am less and less impressed by neurologists who claim to be MS experts. Maybe their expertise is at the cellular level, but only one of the seven I've been seen by has ever watched me walk and made recommendations. My recent PT has been more helpful than any doctor or neurologist has ever been. He knows only the fundamentals about MS, but he has an extensive knowledge of how the CNS controls balance and movement as well as how to retrain the brain when one neural pathway has been damaged. I haven't seen him for two weeks now and already the difference is apparent. I am glad you found someone to watch you walk, thoughtfully and knowledgeably analyze what was seen, and make a suggestion that you find helpful.

I can't emphasize enough those words knowledgeable and helpful. I have friends who make suggestions all the time (don't hold onto the railing as you go down the steps, pick up your feet more, try walking faster, don't depend on your walking stick, watch where you're walking). They mean well, so I don't get angry, but it does show their ignorance. Ignorance, from neurologists, other medical professionals, as well as friends, is just another insult that we suffer from the invisible damage of MS.

[Hidden in reply to goatgal]

TY ! I have yet to meet a PT around this area that knows what goes on with MS. I have gone thru several places who only work a routine and watch me barely walk out of the place for the bad condition I am in at the end. Still looking when I get the urge.

[goatgal in reply to Hidden]

Most PTs have not been helpful to me either. But I just had 3 months of twice at week at a place that treats only gait (i.e. walking) problems and they have been wonderful.

[falalalala in reply to goatgal]

That's why I have a monkey for a trainer

[sashaming1]

I also have foot drop. I got an AFO (brace) to wear to help. There are also exercises and electrical stimulators that can help.

[CopingThruWood]

Hi. I see many doctors since being diagnosed in 2006. One the newest features that MS has availed to my body is issues with walking. I have been seeing a podiatrist for years and he is the one who diagnosed the drop foot. This is a serious issue from a safety perspective. Falls while walking and especially using stairs leads to quite serious injuries and yes, deaths. So if you are still ambulatory via walking, with or without aids, you really should consider a foot/leg brace fitted to you. I went through two carbon fiber ones, each broke at the ankle. These were "off the shelf" units I got through the podiatrist and my insurance paid 90% (OOP was around $100). Then went to a custom made one where he took a cast of my leg and the made one for me. It has been quite helpful and unlike what you were told (or someone was in this message thread), no atrophy and quite the opposite, it help retrain my leg to decrease the instance of drop foot. Also helps that I consciously tell my foot to lift. In around 1 month, I was able to limit my need for its use. It is not as light nor comfortable as carbon fiber, but better than a broken hip or death. I am not a Dr., PT, or any health provider, and the disclaimer is MS affects us all differently and devices works for some and not others. I am just sharing what worked for me. Please contact your Dr. again or see a Podiatrist, since a Podiatrist is closer to these issues than a Neurologist may be... just my observation. Good luck.

[DIsneyQueen]

I wore a brace inside my shoe for a long time and my foot drop got worse. My neurologist said I needed one that could be adjusted. Got one that now attaches to my shoe, keeps my foot from rotating out and I walk lots better. I had a problem hyperperextending my knee which caused me to have difficulty walking. New brace helps a lot and is not heavy or cumbersome