[kreink]

Someone in the Peripheral Neuropathy forum recomended I post this here, I dont have MS, I have nerve damage in my legs from PN. I need some advice about my Ankly Foot Orthotics.

Right now I wear 2 Arizona extended AFOs. The one on my right foot is much more comfortable than the one on my left. I am not sure why, although it seems like the one on my left foot does not come as far forward on the bottom. I get pressure under the arch of my foot because it doesnt support the ball of my foot. I am considering going in to talk to my foot doc about this and see what she thinks, perhaps get a new AFO? The orthotic center that fit me for it can do adjustments, but I dont see how they can lengthen it.

Wanted to get some input before I schedule an appointment. Budget is pretty tight right now as I am selling my third floor condo because walking up and down the stairs has gotten too difficult. Right now I am living in a ground floor apartment and paying mortgage and rent until the condo sells.

I spent all summer swimming 2 times a day to strengthen my legs so that I can get out of my wheelchair at work, but the more I wear the AFO on my left foot, the more painful it gets when I am standing. If I dont wear it, then the muscles in my leg and foot get so tired they cramp up. And the foot drop makes walking tricky as its easy for me to trip and fall.

It seems to me like a proper fitting AFO should support more of front of my foot and not dig into my arch. Ideas before I schedule DX appts and possibly go in to have a new AFO made - mine cost me about $300 after insurance, so it would be pricey.

[Koala77]

I do hope you get the answers to your questions kreink

I started a thread some months ago when I first got my own AFO, and although my questions are not the same as your own, here's the link for you to look at.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread122277.html

Good luck.... I'm sure some-one with more experience than myself will be along soon.

[Kitt]

Hi Kreink, As you probably already know, there are many, many types of AFO's out there. A good orthotic person could probably help you out and tweak the AfO here and there for a proper fit. You could explain to them what your problem is. Hopefully, you will find the answer.

[Koala77]

Hoping some-one else can help kreink with this one.

[ME667]

Did you ever find a better orthotic? I know it's over a year later, but I'm also searching through threads for answers to other issues.

I have weakness in the ankles & balance issues, but mine are due to lumbar spinal stenosis issues (no significant pain or sciatica issues, thank goodness). I can walk at a slow pace, but have progressive weakness and drop foot in both feet. The traditional AFO did NOT work - it didn't fit right & it pinched at the calf.

I ended up getting the Dorsi-Lite Foot Splint (front of foot profile) which I started using this week for both feet inside of my New Balance tennis shoes. I've actually got hope now that this is something I can endure & live with. I was actually able to run (well, walk briskly) without feeling the floppy feet thing or without getting horribly out of balance and having to lean against the walls.

Hope that helps...