Could AFOs help with balance?? They are helping me!

A few months ago, I happened to notice that @njed mentioned in a comment that he was using AFO (ankle foot orthotic) braces and that they helped with his balance issues. I, too, have numbness and tingling from my neuropathy... but the main issue is that it seems to be affecting my balance. I messaged Ed, and afterwards began looking for AFOs for sale on Ebay. If your doctor will write you a prescription, you can go through an orthotics agency, but MY insurance would not cover orthotics and these cost around $700 for each foot. I found some on Ebay that were "lightly used" (they looked brand new) that were for sale for $250 for both feet. I ordered them and gave them a try, and I am here to tell you that they increase my balance by a good 70%... plus my calf muscles don't seem as likely to tire when walking. There are numerous brands.... Ottobock, Thuasne, etc... all similar and made of carbon fiber (like a thin metal). But I also found that you can buy some made of polystyrene on Amazon for about $35 each.... and those seemed to work equally well. I take my shoe, remove the insole, place the orthotic in the shoe, then put the insole back on top of it... then slide my foot in. There is a velcro band that straps around my shin about 12 to 15" up.... that holds everything in place. These are actually designed for drop foot. I have not been diagnosed with drop foot... but I am here to tell you that they make a HUGE difference in how balanced I feel when standing and walking. They come in small, medium, large sizes.... and some are trimmable to fit, meaning that if they are too long you can use scissors to trim off a bit so they fit better in your shoes. These are not a "miracle cure," but they DO, INDEED, give me a better sense of balance.... and I am mentioning it here in the hope that it may help others out there who are experiencing similar issues from neuropathy. I've attached a photo to show you what these look like. They are light weight... not uncomfortable to wear... and the polystyrene (and less expensive) ones I tried from Amazon seem to work equally well. Just wanted to share.... and see if anyone else out there is using AFOs.... and if they help your balance when walking!! Best wishes to all.... Mike