AFO advice
 

Hi everyone, havnt posted in a while but I wondered if other AFO (Ankle Foot Orthotic) wearers could give me some advice.

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 on the outside of my left ankle and 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.

Hi kreink. I do understand where you're coming from with the foot drop and the falls. I've had so many falls, with so many broken bones that I really had to do something about it. I finally agreed to an AFO.

I had a look at your's. It looks to be rather an up-market model, compared to the one I have! :)

The one I have now is my second AFO. The first one rubbed the back of my heel and hurt under my foot... so much so that I just couldn't wear it. I did have it altered, even had it padded, but it still hurt.

This one rubbed a bit at first, but because it's plastic, they were able to shave the problem areas off.

Naturally I'd prefer not to wear one at all, but this one is more comfy than the first.... Here's mine:

http://www.perth-orthotics.com.au/20...oot-orthotics/

If you don't get any other replies, may I suggest you post in the MS Forum? I have MS and I know that several other MSers also wear AFOs.

Mine are light weight and very uncomfortable....and expensive, but I guess this is AFOS....I don't wear it unless I am having a particularly bad time.

I have found that in the last year I am more comfortable if I wear them to bed as the blankets push down on my feet and force them into a pointing position, which makes my ankles very sore in the morning. But when I am walking in them, I have to use something to off load some weight when I step because the bottom of the left AFO really pushes up hard into the arch of my foot. Forearm crutches, or a walker help.

I also find that the right socks really do help even if they are pricey. I use compression stockings that fit tight underneath trekking/mountaineering socks (wool, knee high, with thick sole) that I bought at REI work best for me.

I agree with you though, if I can get away with not wearing them I usually do.
But if I am on my feet at work, they are a must. Or I am really suffering at the end of the day.