Drop foot

My husband starting having symptoms about six years ago and has slowly progressed. He has been under the care of 2 neurologists so far. He had EMB/NCS in April 2022 with these findings: moderate to severe axonal peripheral process involving right upper and lower extremities with clinical involvement on the left. There were sensory and motor findings. Inherited etiology favored. AFOs were never discussed until a retired physiatrist from our church noticed his gait and told him he really thought that AFOs would be helpful. He then got appointment with a physiatrist and was ordered AFOs and they made a HUGE difference in his gait. He does have some balance issues and will use a hiking cane occasionally, but is able to live an active life. He has had to give up certain sports such as waterskiing and snowskiing due to the foot drop. I recently bought Saucony athletic shoes (Kinvara Pro)that have a rocker type sole - my husband finally went and got a pair and these shoes have also been helpful in moving his foot foward as well. His AFOs were fitted, ordered by orthotics clinic. The only issues is he had to buy all new shoes that were about 1/2 size large to accommodate the insert of the orthotics. I am currently looking into an external AFO made by company Turbo Med Orthotics that was discussed on here. Currently we are trying to get him approved for out of network exception to seek care at Mayo Clinic.

In addition to the 1/2 size larger shoe to accommodate the brace, my AFO supplier removed the insole of the shoe with the brace. I waited over a year to finally agree to an AFO after my left foot dropped due to my large fiber axonal neuropathy in both legs but only causing only foot drop in my left foot. The AFO is light, and straightens the angle of my left foot, leaving me safer from falling, more able to walk with the aid of a rolling walker, and work on PT exercises to strengthen bones and muscles in my legs.