I have MS and have been using braces for 20 years. Over time I have used 15 different braces. I now use the STEP-SMART and that has worked well for 9 years. I always do my exercises most days. Things are not really getting better at all. However I am not going down hill as fast as many people I know. Thank you Tara for adding to my routines and reminding me of several thing I have learned from my PSs in the past. I enjoy working with you.
I was told I had drop foot, but i didn't depend on a brace. I'd pay attention to my self, and I'd keep telling myself to stop when I would start letting my foot relax too much.
I had to keep telling myself to lift the foot, especially because I drive a manual car. Acceleration and braking was my biggest hurdle. Also, I am so concerned about falling in public and at home, I have motivate myself to move that foot and leg.
Had a stroke April 2022. Right side arm and leg specificity. However, I started to get movement back on the ankle. I ended up being lucky enough to return to work after 6 months, just as my ankle was beginning to come back. My progression has gone from walker, to quad cane/brace, single came/brace, to just brace. The next step for me would have been no brace. I know I need to work that ankle, no matter how awkward it may be.. I was starting to do so, but..... had to go back to work. I am currently wearing a brace at work for safety, since I still have problems with spasticity and I take the train every day.. I am thankful beyond belief to have the ability to work and to have a job, but sometimes I wish I had focused more on my recovery than on getting back to work. I know someone who has a spinal injury and suffered from drop foot as well. She had a very nice brace - custom made, very slim and sleek looking. By contrast, I was given a brand akin to a ski boot! It's currently collecting dust in my closet. I use a rather slim brace, no frills L shaped. I thought about why her brace looked so sleek, and then I realized that the craftsmanship was only part of the reason. The woman had been wearing a brace for close to five years, and dystrophy had taken hold from non use. When I realized this, it kind of scared me. I've been back too work for a few months now, wearing a brace 95% of the time, and dystrophy is slowly starting to creep in too. It will be a year since my stroke next April, and I really wonder where I would be had I continued to work on walking without a brace. Progress on my arm has also stalled, but that's another story. If you are reading this, and you are going thru something similar, my advice to you is TAKE YOUR TIME! You will get better if you work at it. But it takes time, so make the most of it.
Thank you, we are still pushing/demanding the brain to do more. The AFO helps and we use it most of the day. But we also do exercise without it. Somehow both ways are beneficial, can't explain it but compared with the beginning and now it looks as the AFO is no needed anymore. But yes, we need it for safety, it takes lot of time, motivation, patience, and continue moving to hit those repetitions. Brain reconstruction....
Hi ms ppms 35 yrs. Foot drop. Years ago full afo custom made( below knee down) never wore cant stand looking at it. Now yrs later thinking investing minimal amount in those lace for brace( under $20) Status, can barely walk. Foot drags. Suggestions?
I had minor drop foot after my stroke and I used the saebo brace. I ended up going the other way and the spasticity in my leg makes my foot motion erratic if I'm not paying attention. I've had my leg and foot tense up to the point I get stuck in position. I get botox in my arm/shoulder but not my leg because it can cause drop foot I guess. I wear the saebo brace when I'm out to keep my spasticity from tripping me. Totally not the proper use of the brace but if it keeps my foot from flexing down instead of up while I'm grocery shopping it's good with me.
I have MS and have been using braces for 20 years. Over time I have used 15 different braces. I now use the STEP-SMART and that has worked well for 9 years. I always do my exercises most days. Things are not really getting better at all. However I am not going down hill as fast as many people I know.
Thank you Tara for adding to my routines and reminding me of several thing I have learned from my PSs in the past. I enjoy working with you.
I was told I had drop foot, but i didn't depend on a brace. I'd pay attention to my self, and I'd keep telling myself to stop when I would start letting my foot relax too much.
I had to keep telling myself to lift the foot, especially because I drive a manual car. Acceleration and braking was my biggest hurdle. Also, I am so concerned about falling in public and at home, I have motivate myself to move that foot and leg.
Thank you
Had a stroke April 2022. Right side arm and leg specificity. However, I started to get movement back on the ankle.
I ended up being lucky enough to return to work after 6 months, just as my ankle was beginning to come back.
My progression has gone from walker, to quad cane/brace, single came/brace, to just brace. The next step for me would have been no brace. I know I need to work that ankle, no matter how awkward it may be.. I was starting to do so, but..... had to go back to work.
I am currently wearing a brace at work for safety, since I still have problems with spasticity and I take the train every day.. I am thankful beyond belief to have the ability to work and to have a job, but sometimes I wish I had focused more on my recovery than on getting back to work.
I know someone who has a spinal injury and suffered from drop foot as well. She had a very nice brace - custom made, very slim and sleek looking. By contrast, I was given a brand akin to a ski boot! It's currently collecting dust in my closet. I use a rather slim brace, no frills L shaped.
I thought about why her brace looked so sleek, and then I realized that the craftsmanship was only part of the reason. The woman had been wearing a brace for close to five years, and dystrophy had taken hold from non use. When I realized this, it kind of scared me.
I've been back too work for a few months now, wearing a brace 95% of the time, and dystrophy is slowly starting to creep in too. It will be a year since my stroke next April, and I really wonder where I would be had I continued to work on walking without a brace. Progress on my arm has also stalled, but that's another story.
If you are reading this, and you are going thru something similar, my advice to you is TAKE YOUR TIME! You will get better if you work at it. But it takes time, so make the most of it.
Thank you, we are still pushing/demanding the brain to do more. The AFO helps and we use it most of the day. But we also do exercise without it. Somehow both ways are beneficial, can't explain it but compared with the beginning and now it looks as the AFO is no needed anymore. But yes, we need it for safety, it takes lot of time, motivation, patience, and continue moving to hit those repetitions. Brain reconstruction....
THANK you once again for the important videos on drop foot I really appreciate you ☺️
My sister in law had MS for 30 years and the last 2-3 years of her life she no longer needed to wear her brace and she could tap her toes.
My therapist gave me a drop foot brace that hooks on to your shoe strings but my foot swings out, I think it’s the wrong brace.
Dr.T like your class it's great!
Hi ms ppms 35 yrs. Foot drop. Years ago full afo custom made( below knee down) never wore cant stand looking at it.
Now yrs later thinking investing minimal amount in those lace for brace( under $20)
Status, can barely walk. Foot drags. Suggestions?
I had minor drop foot after my stroke and I used the saebo brace. I ended up going the other way and the spasticity in my leg makes my foot motion erratic if I'm not paying attention. I've had my leg and foot tense up to the point I get stuck in position.
I get botox in my arm/shoulder but not my leg because it can cause drop foot I guess. I wear the saebo brace when I'm out to keep my spasticity from tripping me. Totally not the proper use of the brace but if it keeps my foot from flexing down instead of up while I'm grocery shopping it's good with me.
I wonder if I can still heal I have GBS and it’s been 9 years
How about foot drop caused by ALS? I wear a carbon fiber AFO.
Thanks for watching and for the question! Generally speaking, a carbon brace is indicated for ALS. I hope that helps!
Good morning I hope all is well