If you have the desire for people to say to you, “But you’re so young!” while you’re in your mid-30’s, get yourself a voodoo doll and wish for an unnamed affliction that causes you to walk funny.
It’s been a full 24 hours since I picked up my ankle foot orthosis also known as AFO or articulated ankle foot orthotic. I picked it up a couple hours before going to physical therapy. I wore it in to PT so I could check out my gait pattern in the big mirror. It was pretty good. To my surprise, I caused quite a stir at PT. Typically, all of us PT recipients are there together but separate. No conversation, perhaps a smile exchange. Wear a brace, get a lot of attention. Not necessarily good attention.
“Is that a brace?” “Why do you need something like that?” “What is wrong with you?” “How long do you have to wear that thing?” “But you’re so young.”
Let me remind you, I was asked these questions at Physical Therapy. And let me tell you, none of these inquisitors were there because of a sports injury. If there was one place I thought I was safe as a “Sicky”, it was PT. I was wrong. A balding guy in his 50s just could not get over that I have no diagnosis for my leg. “What do you mean no one knows?” Anyway, perhaps I can help someone else by posting about me and my AFO.
What is an ankle foot orthosis / AFO / ankle foot orthotic?
It is typically a custom-made brace that controls the motion of the ankle and gives support to the foot.
Who wears an AFO?
I asked my orthotic fitter this very question. Here’s the response, “We sell A LOT of AFOs. Mostly to stroke patients. The only other people I see for them are people who have had a mishap during back surgery.” I asked her if she has ever seen anyone like me – someone who has no idea what is wrong them. “No.”
I have read about a variety of other conditions that are treated with an AFO. Here’s a link.
Why get an ankle foot orthosis?
In my case, because your doctor gives you a scare. I was reluctant to follow through but when it was brought to my attention that I was at risk for falling and breaking my hip or cracking my skull, I obliged. My AFO is primarily for my foot drop and my general leg problem that does not have an official name/cause. There are certain types of AFOs that are smaller and do not cover all of the calf as mine does. I was not eligible for the sleeker model due to the tightness/spasticity in my leg. So, here it is. Me and my AFO.
First, insert orthotic into shoe. Be sure to remove shoe insole. Then you put in your foot. If you're young enough like me (this is what I was told.)
What happens when you go to the Orthotic retailer?
A cast of your leg will be made. My cast was from my toes to my knee. The casting process was fine. It didn’t hurt nor was it uncomfortable. Apparently, it’s only supposed to take about a week for the custom brace to be made. Mine took nearly a month and I have no explanation.
How much does an AFO cost?
My custom-made piece of plastic with a couple of bolts retailed for $1,100. With my insurance coverage, it set me back a little over $300. I was told the retail cost would be between $800 and $1200.
Does wearing the AFO hurt?
That’s a good question. Wearing it inside my existing tennis shoe / sneaker was a little uncomfortable because the foot portion of the brace consists of plastic that goes beyond my toes. Today, I purchased a bigger shoe and so far, it’s more comfortable. I was told that I’ll get used to it. It’s not possible for me to wear my AFO without shoes. It just doesn’t work or stay on.
How does the AFO help your foot drop?
By design, the AFO lifts my toes up when I am walking. Without the brace, It is very challenging for me to pick up my toes when walking giving me an unusual gait pattern. With long pants on, no one seems to be able to tell that I have this darn thing. In fact, my husband says I look like I am walking pretty normal with it. On the other hand, I can definitely tell I am wearing it. I have no idea what long-term impact the brace will have on my foot drop (if any). I don’t believe it has a rehabilitative effect other than relieving pain by controlling motion. I could be wrong.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | AFO. ankle foot orthosis, ankle foot orthotic, foot drop
I wore AFO’s in my 30′s. I don’t need them now, the treatments I started in my 20′s are finally working (gee, it only took 20 years)
I’m sorry that you don’t have a safe haven for being ill … PT can be, it depends on the therapist and how much they educate their patients …the therapists set the tone for the therapy center, and I don’t think they realize that.
I’ve had PT several times ..and sometimes it’s a great safe haven, others, not so much.
hi i get got fiten for a afo on thuesday and i am get 18 but i have something call R.S.D and hopefully this will help but i have a ? how do u take care of the afo and what kind of shoe is bast for it?
I’m sorry to hear you need an AFO. I sure hope it helps. I’ve found the best shoe is on size bigger than your regular size and one that can be tighten across the top of your foot to keep the brace in.
Best of luck!
thank you that helps alot and can you get the afo shocsk at any shorte?????
Skechers and Privo brand shoes (found at Famous Footwear, DSW, Kohls, and other retailers) have worked for me. Best wishes to you.
I also have an annamed illnes and am currently wearing an afo. I am in my first month with it and hate it. What happens if I don’t wear it and try to be careful?
Hi there, Sorry to hear your afo is bothering you. As a fellow patient, I don’t have the answer for you and I encourage you to talk to the professional who prescribed it for you. You may be able to get it adjusted to make it more comfortable.
Hi … i can totally relate to your pain of wearing a AFO. i am 38 now and have been wearing one since Sept of 2007. It takes some getting use to but you learn to live with it. In 2007 i woke up not being able to move my right side… i was rushed to the hospital and then to a larger one… I HAD A AVM.. ArterioVenius Malformation ( bleed in the brain) i have Neuro damage in my leg and foot drop and alot of tone in my foot. i can walk without my brace on but ONLY IN MY HOME. i wear it anywhere else.
i hope that you continue to do better.. i know it is hard but God has a plan for us all… I am anxious to see what mine is for the rest of my life.
Hi…I’m eager to learn what’s in store for you as well! Take good care and thank you for sharing your experience – we’re all stronger patients when we learn from each other. Best wish to you, -Q
Hello all! My son who is 3 1/2 has hemiplegic cerebral palsy. He always walks on his tippy toes bending inwards on his left foot, and holds his left hand slightly up to his side. He has a hard time balancing and running, tripping and falling easily. He has had several botox injections in his left calf costing me $400 every 3-6 months with the hope of relaxing the tendons, but I have seen no real improvement. He will be going in to get an AFO soon, costing another $600-$1000. I am hoping that it will help him to walk by stretching his leg and improving the spasticity. The doctors are hopefull that by getting these treatments done now while he is young and flexible will enable him to walk and run normally without an AFO in the future. I am concerned tho, as the doctors tell me that CP is a form of brain trauma, interrupting the signals from the brain to the muscles, nerves and tendons in his leg and arm, so how could these treatments applied to his foot really help if it is in his brain? My question is how many people really see that kind of improvement with an AFO, and no longer have to wear one? He is a very determined and active little guy and I am sure wearing one will not slow him down in the least. Thanks, and best wishes to you all
Hi Hayley,
Your little guy has been through a lot but it doesn’t seem like he’s missed a thing! Since about a year ago, I have only worn my AFO a few times. It helped me more with fatigued muscles (after use such as physical therapy) than with my spasticity. However, it has kept me safe – prevented falls. I no longer am permitted to exercise and that is why I no longer has a strong need to wear mine.
I’m interested to hear what your son’s doctor has to say about how an AFO will help him.
Sending lots of caring thoughts your way – as a patient and a fellow mother to a little boy,
-Q