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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
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@domiha Mike, I am glad you are able to benefit from the AFO's. These are not for everyone but anyone with drop foot or poor balance due to PN, I suggest that they discuss the use of these with their medical team to see if these supports would be appropriate for their use. The idea of sharing information with others on what works to cope with PN, this is what the Connect is all about. Wish you the best. Ed
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4 ReactionsQuestion, my husband has inherited PN, also hammer toes, and a very high arch. Numbness started in toes and has progressed up to his knees, no pain. He is 78, walks with an unsteady gait, does this effect anyone’s driving? Sorry for long question. Thank
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4 ReactionsI am still able to drive, and even with the AFO braces in my shoes. So far, I can still feel my feet well enough .... and I can feel the pressure on the pedals of the car. Others may have different experiences to share. In my case, the numbness and tingling in my feet is slight.... just enough to affect my balance to an extent. Best wishes! Mike
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4 ReactionsPlease keep in mind, in my opinion, with PN, there is no one solid "fit all" answer to every situation and what works for one may not work for another. With that in mind, I can offer the following. I was evaluated and prescribed the ankle foot orthotics (AFO's) in 2020 and have been driving with them since 2020 and drive today. I drive about 14,000 miles per year and someday will likely need hand controls. AFO's were prescribed for drop foot and my balance has improved 80%. Without them on, I must walk with a cane. Perhaps he can be evaluated by a medical professional to see if AFO's would be required. Wish you the best.
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3 ReactionsThank You, he does not have drop foot so that’s a good thing. But told me he feels like he walks on balls, very unsteady. Getting evaluated to see if back is the problem, just to rule it out.
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2 ReactionsI had AFOs over 20 years ago.
I had polio as a child in 1958, which is the reason my doctor recommended the AFOs.
However, on my right leg, which was affected the most by polio, the AFO caused muscle atrophy in my calf. This is because the top of the AFO was putting pressure on the nerves at the top of my calf. Having had polio, my nerves are more susceptible to such things. Atrophy is permanent!
Bottom line: be careful with AFOs if you have nerve damage such as from polio. If I had to do it again, I would forgo the AFOs. The atrophy causes instability when walking, which in turn causes back pain.
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6 ReactionsThank you for sharing your story, George. And thanks for the tip regarding muscle atrophy. As NJEd pointed out, there is no "one size fits all" with neuropathy or any other malady. People should always consult with their healthcare providers. That being said, it's also good to have information from others here on Connect to learn of things that are helping others... to then bring up those possibilities with doctors. Over the years I have learned that we have to be our own advocates for health care. Doctors are often totally swamped, too often patients are wheeled in and out too quickly, and some doctors are still doing things they way they always did it and they don't want to learn of new ideas if they are approaching retirement. So I tend to research, research and then research some more, and I am so grateful to have found a community like Connect where I can hear of others' experiences with symptoms and health issues similar to my own. Best wishes to all! Mike
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6 ReactionsI too use a foot brace, had them for 6 yrs. I do not go anywhere without them, I wear them all day. I have the neoprene type along with a good pair of insoles.
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3 ReactionsI have tried all of those methods w/o success. The brace for the drop foot worsened my balance problems and rubbed on my big toe when I used my Walker to walk for exercise.I use a cane otherwise. I have Physical 2x a week for the past 2 years to keep me mobile. I don't drive be cause I can't feel the accelerator and brake pedal enough to drive and have an accident. Neuropathy is progressive and causes for it vary. Everyone is different. But thank you for sharing I know it will help many other people.
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5 ReactionsDaggone it! You ask AFOs… My head was looking aliens and was looking for AFOs… Sorry, it was UFOs……