1. < Neuropathy
Profile picture for chawk

NAVIGATING NYC WITH AN AFO

Posted by chawk @chawk, Apr 18 8:05pm

Hi all---I've been wearing an AFO (ankle foot orthosis) on my right leg for six months. It's clunky and sometimes irritating but definitely helps with my drop foot and my gait. It's best if I use my hiking sticks with it but I can get by without them. Now I'm about to spend five days walking the crowded, vibrant streets of Manhattan and I'm in a quandary: Do I bring my sticks, do I buy a cane, or do I just suck it up? Does anyone here use hiking poles on the streets of New York? Seems like a good way to get knocked over by the sheer flow of pedestrian traffic...

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

Profile picture for John, Volunteer Mentor
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 19 7:40am

I like using trekking poles when I'm out walking but have never used them in tight quarters like a big, crowded city. I would think the challenge is keeping them closer to your body when walking so as not to be a tripping hazard for others around you. Also, rubber tips are recommended but you probably already know that.

REPLY
Profile picture for kfcox59
kfcox59 | @kfcox59 | Apr 20 8:25am

I’ve had dropfoot for 5 years now which occurred during my hip replacement surgery. My AFO is excellent and made of carbon fiber ( I think) and I got it at Baker Orthotics in Dallas. It’s by UTSW Medical school. Anyway, I would use a cane. I got a collapsible one on Amazon and used it at the ancient site of Pompeii and it was great. Hope this is helpful.

REPLY
Profile picture for kekimmel
kekimmel | @kekimmel | Apr 20 8:39am

I have had my foot drop for 20+ year have tried the braces that go inside your shoes didn’t like them because they hurt my foot recently found these braces on line that go outside your shoes love them they help with balance and you can walk on uneven ground with no problem. I don’t need any other assistance like a cane or stick to walk with them. They’re also covered by Medicare sending a pic of the product and who to contact if you were interested.also had my ortho doctor give me a night brace to wear cause the foot was starting to hurt at night, which helped a lot.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.