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

I can completely relate, I have foot drop from pinched nerves and I know all about the pain and nervousness you go through. To be honest things never go back to normal, at least not for me. I've heard some people can recover but the chances aren't that great. However, I'm a 28 year old construction worker, I build, demolish and repair all kinds of roads bridges and underground utilities. I walk and play with my dogs, I can work out, chase my nephew around all kinds of stuff. I've had foot drop for a few years now and I still get self-concious about people looking at me in my brace or the way I walk when I don't wear it but if you get a decent brace you can still be plenty active. So just because you have foot drop doesn'tmean you need to collect. If I can break a bridge deck out with a 90lb jackhammer then come home and walk two pitbulls chances are you can still work and be active.

Hello and welcome,

I started wearing AFO's about 2 weeks ago for foot drop on the right and left foot weakness. I have peripheral neuropathy which is mostly motor from damaged nerves in my lower spine. Both my legs are have fair strength according to my physical therapist. First thing I notice is how light my legs felt after dragging my foot around. I am using a cane to help me while I make the adjustment to the braces.

I use the Toe Off by Allard. There seems to me some contoversy, I do not know why. They are light and support the front of my leg.

It is refreshing to see someone who is hopeful and wants to return to work. I pray you do. In the meantime, the AFO will protect you from serious injury.

I HAVE FOOT DROP in one foot due to a broken ankle and bulging disks in lower back. I just got a custom AFO brace several weeks ago. It felt so good on my flat foot and arch and helped me walk so straight.
Then I went back this week for any adjustments and they fixed a few things where it was rubbing and lowered the heel and now it feel so good I forget it is there. I am 67 and just canot afford to fall especially with osteoporosis.
So if there is a way to get a custom one with good followup, it can make a world of difference.

I do have a question about what happens after months and years of wearing this. Does you calf experience atrophy making it impossible to walk without it?

I'm not certain that anyone can answer your question. Everyone is different however you do lose some muscle. I do know several people who have worn their AFO's for years and still can walk some like around the house without the AFO.