Hello. I am new here. I'm so sorry you are having these troubles. I have worn below-knee AFO's since May 2005 for bilateral ankle instability AND LEFT FOOT DROP. I think they are wonderful.

If your doctor thinks you would benefit from an AFO, and your foot is that weak, I don't know why you would fight getting an AFO, especially if you want to keep working. It will keep you from dropping your foot and you won't use up your energy trying to walk proper, and you won't trip and fall.

My insurance paid for my $1600 braces. If your insurance will pay for the true orthotic that fits in your shoe, that is the best. They make a cast of your foot so you get the proper fit and dynamics for proper walking. It will keep your foot positioned properly and it has a little give so you can walk very normally once you get used to it. I wear mine on the outside of clothes, don't care what anyone thinks, and wear capris most of the time. I don't have any chafing or discomfort from the braces.

The down side is that if you get the in-shoe kind, you will have to wear tennis shoes and go up half a size to fit the brace in.

Good Luck,
LaVerne