Guest guest Posted April 13, 2006 Report Share Posted April 13, 2006 Hi everyone, I am a 57 year old female and just got my FIRST AFO for my left foot (drop) The orthotist warned me that after I wore it for awhile my foot would feel REALLY,REALLY weak... And yes it sure did and I didn't like that feeling at all. Yes, it picks my foot up while walking but the after effect is awful. I am not going to wear it all the time due to the business casual shoes I wear to work and it won't fit. Also I have really bad varicous veins in my left leg, the shin of all places where the AFO wraps around and then velcro. HELP... I sure can't wrap it to tight because of my veins, so I don't want that to be an issue. Please HELP and give my lots of your experiences with AFOs. Thanks so much, I am looking forward to hearing from all of you. Elaine in Florida Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2006 Report Share Posted April 13, 2006 Hello Elaine, Stretch knee socks from Dr. Leonards are my way of avoiding abrasion from the straps and helping with the circulation problems. Don't forget that circulation means blood and lymph. Walking and shifting weight from one foot to the other while standing helps to return the circulation upward. EdM from NH On Wed, 12 Apr 2006 23:34:09 -0000 " elaineangel54 " <elaineangel54@...> writes: > Hi everyone, > > I am a 57 year old female and just got my FIRST AFO for my left foot > (drop) The orthotist warned me that after I wore it for > awhile my foot would feel REALLY,REALLY weak... And yes it sure did > > and I didn't like that feeling at all. Yes, it picks my foot up > while > walking but the after effect is awful. > > I am not going to wear it all the time due to the business casual > shoes I wear to work and it won't fit. Also I have really bad > varicous veins in my left leg, the shin of all places where the AFO > wraps around and then velcro. > > HELP... I sure can't wrap it to tight because of my veins, so I > don't want that to be an issue. Please HELP and give my lots of > your experiences with AFOs. > > Thanks so much, I am looking forward to hearing from all of you. > > Elaine in Florida Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2006 Report Share Posted April 13, 2006 Hi Barb,, Thank you for the response. I will adjust? I just hated that weak feeling when I took it off. I only need one for the left foot. I don't won't to loose any musle strength. I like to walk my treadmill, ride my bike, but my left foot drop is enough to make me trip and fall at a moments notice. You don't wear your velcro at all, and it stays fine like that? Where is Florida are you? I live right outside the Tampa area. Thanks again. I really do need the advice as to what to do... jcaston598@... wrote: Hi Elaine-I've been wearing AFOs fulltime since the mid 80's. I have very bad dangle feet(foot drop). I HATE not wearing them. Yes, it is an adjustment in the beginning but you will adjust.I don't wrap my velcro straps either.I do hope it works for you. Barb Fl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2006 Report Share Posted April 14, 2006 In a message dated 4/13/2006 8:56:07 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, jcaston598@... writes: I HATE not wearing them. Yes, it is an adjustment in the beginning but you will adjust I didn't bother to get used to AFOs. I threw them in the trash right away. I think my AFO maker was horrible too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 13, 2006 Report Share Posted August 13, 2006 Elaine, Is your AFO a solid one without an ankle joint? Those were so uncomfortable to me. Just the addition of an ankle joint makes all of the difference in the world.There are ankle joints made just for foot drop. Have your orthotist try a Gillette joint. Plus your orthotist might look at cutting back the footplate. Some are way too long and make wearing the AFO uncomfortable. The metal braces are even more comfortable. I have both types and prefer the metal ones. So much easier to wear.Hope this helps. Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 13, 2006 Report Share Posted August 13, 2006 Hi Elaine, Sorry to hear about you AFO problems. I've been wearing AFOs for the last 24 years. I recently got a new pair. I went back about three times before I got what i would say a " suitable " fit. I felt the orthotist was getting a little pissed off but I didn't care. I asked for the lead orthotist to take care of my AFOs and they were finally wearable. Sometimes, you have to break them in. If you still fill uncomfortable, go back. Afterall, you're the one who's wearing them. Just let him know your not satisfied. If he's not doing the job, ask for the lead orthotist. -Malinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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