Thanks... I wondered if it was me or the "nature of the beast." Mine are hard plastic. They look sort of like this one but without the movable ankle.
http://www.gillettechildrens.org/def...PID=1.17.2.1.1
They do help with pain, but they are not easy to use.

Thanks... what you said helps a lot. I have not talked with anyone else who has used them. I tried one type that was leather, called an Arizona brace that laced up, went mid calf, but didn't give enough support to take away pain.

I think I need to find a better pair of slippers that I can wear with these so I can slip them on over them when I need to get out of bed. I have been using "scuff" type slippers, but the braces come out of them to easily, causing a tripping issue.