Foot Drop

1.) Definition

Foot drop is a condtion in which the muscles that control the foot and ankle are not responding normally. This means that a person can drag their toes when they walk and their is usually higher incidence of tripping or falls. Although a person may never fully recover, there are treatment options that can really help you walk better again.

2.) What Can Be Done About Foot Drop - AFOs

Many people can benefit from the use of low profile braces called AFOs to help them walk better. These braces are made by special brace makers called orthotists. What happens is that your local, licensed orthotist will make an impression of your leg and foot, when a custom AFO is indicated.  They then can take this impression of your leg and foot and make the brace especially for you. These braces can help hold up your foot when you walk and give you improved side to side ankle stability, while also indirectly supporting your knee as well.

3.) The WalkAide

This is a new product that is available to many patients with foot drop. It is an FDA approved device that provides patient's with functional electrical stimulation to help trigger their muscles after normal function has been lost. It is an effective treatment option that can help people with foot drop due to : multiple sclerosis, stroke (cva), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), CP and brain tumors.  Not everyone can be a candidate for this system.

4.) Canes Becoming A Thing of The Past

Although many individuals use canes, many people can rely on the use of an AFO or the Walkaide to subplant the need for a cane. Why? - Many people do not like to walk around with a cane because it makes them appear "disabled". Although canes can be effective, the AFO and Walkaide are more low profile and can be easily hidden from plain site. The reason why you probably have not seen or heard of them so far is that the person who walked past you this week with the WalkAide or an AFO had it easily concealed with the use of a pair of pants.

For more information on Foot Drop, AFOs or The WalkAide system visit us online at http://www.orthopedic-braces.com

*We also provide treatment to individuals in Chicago and its suburbs.