This might be a strange question to ask, but not if you have “challenges “ with your legs.
When in South Carolina my bedroom was fully carpeted. Great for when putting on my AFO. No slipping. Now in NJ, the floor is bare. Very easy to slip or not have control of the brace on wood.
I have a 12x12 piece of some kind of slip resistant rubber square called Juzo. Was curious as to what people use for stability so they don’t slip when putting on a brace.
Wondering if carpet will be a good option since cold weather is coming. Cold floor and warm feet don’t go together either!
Written by
Sagesewer
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I have carpet, tile, and hardwood. I wear a hard-soled slipper in the house at all times, and change from cotton to wool socks, depending on the mood of my feet. They’re either burning or freezing.
I bought a pair of My Pillow slippers and like them. I also bought a much cheaper pair from Amazon that also cover the ankles, which really helps in the cooker months! I can’t recall who makes them, but they have a memory foam insole, which has held up well.
I have wood floors with one large area rug in the living room. I love throw rugs but gave up on most of them because of the trip factor. I do have a woven leather one in front of the door, and it doesn't move around. Like Greaterexp, I wear hard-soled slippers all the time, which seems to have made a difference for me, but I also don't use braces.
I have wood floors and tile in the bathrooms. No rugs anywhere, except in front of the door, since I seem to fall over my shadow! I do wear rubber soled shoes or slippers everywhere.
carpet everywhere except kitchen and bathrooms...i am barefoot unless really cold outside then it is socks...hahhah...hate shoes ..well i have several different kinds but in the winter i wear boots for the all of the snow....have a great day ..
My AFOs stay in my Sketcher's, so no slipping! I have mostly wood floors, with carpet in living rm, so if I'm not wearing those it's slipper's with a non skid bottom! 🤗💕🌠
Thanks for sharing. My AFO has an ankle appliance to it. ( no kidding, the Brace guy told me that’s what it’s called.). Appliance? It feels like it’s a refrigerator on my ankle! Lol
I have wall-to-wall carpet in the bedroom, but the rest of the house is a laminate or tile.. I am bare-foot most of the time (don't tell my diabetic dr that.. haha) so am better at gripping with feet.. no socks.. when I do have socks in the house I have ones with gripper strips on the bottom.
I know, I'm the bad one your mother and your doctor tells you about!
My house is hardwood floors except bedrooms have carpet. My walk in closet has carpet and that’s where I get dressed. I have had to put runners down for Rozy as she isn’t as stable as she used to be. Pretty lucky they don’t fall me up. Have always enjoyed carpet in bedrooms 👍🏼😉
Dear Sage, I go bare foot or wear slippers and have large area rugs on wood floors but I’m interested in the topic of putting on the AFO. I struggle with it no matter what the floor is. Any thoughts?
I recently started wearing an AFO. I also happen to be an occupational therapist. MS has been great for my career 😅. I find it’s easier on carpet and a lower seat If you don’t have trouble getting up from it. I start my foot in the shoe with the top laces loose, and tongue pulled up, then grab the back of the brace to move it into place on the back of my leg and get my heel aligned. Then I sit towards the edge of the seat and push my foot in. Then I adjust the heel if needed. I am able to cross my leg with help of my hand and adjust the heel. I then typically tie the shoe first and the fasten the straps. Took a little practice but this method seems to work well.
It sounds like you have a routine down pat id like to share my routine with you, too. I’ll explain so you can visualize this.Sitting on the bed with feet flat on the floor, knees bent at 90•. Put socks on carefully( from the knees down I experience super hyper sensitivity. Everything feels like rug burn.). Short sick on left foot. Shoe with( hate hate Velcro, but necessary because of dexterity issues with right hand.)
Take brace and hold back top with l
Left hand lift right leg with right hand place leg in brace. Dorsiflex right foot toes so heel sits back in brace. Secure Velcro strips. Pllace outer right ankle on left knee. Wiggle shoe on. Place on floor and secure Velcro on shoe. Keep very long hair away from Velcro is one of my biggest challenges. I miss shoe laces!!!!
I love the line about your hair. Too funny. Ah the joys of MS. I have the tingling In my foot but have finally gotten to a point I just ignore it. If I step on a crumb it fills like a needle in my foot. Careful about where I walk barefoot now.Have you ever tried elastic laces? They do not always work well with a brace depending on how tight it fits and how tight you need the shoes, but you can leave them tied and they are not super noticeable. They make different styles. Pretty cheap to try
Oh yes I’ve tried lock laces. They broke! Lol. I’m telling you with this AFO and ankle appliance; the choices.for footwear is so limited I’ve just about had it! My dream of wearing a pair of clogs is dim. Things could be worse….
I go barefoot 99% of the time and haven't used my afo since I started using a walker. Something with a rubber backing so it doesn't slip sounds smart, like you are using now.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.