Some Logic Behind Foot Dragging and Shorter Stride

[Geo]

Normally we have a longer stride and pick our feet up higher when we walk .
When the balance Mechanism goes astray the body's self protect device kicks in. it doesnt want the feet off the ground for very long . This is where the foot dragging comes in and the shorter stride . So we can say our Cerebellum is affected ,in so much as the Motor Cortex and it dont communicate too hot . Sometimes you can stand at a counter and lift one foot up and hold it there ,then the other . I beleive this will help some with Balance ,Maybe not a whole lot but . I also while im there push up to my tip toes and hold it there for a minute ,more muscle stretches . Another one i do is ,sit in a chair and lay the legs on another chair directly in front of me ,then point the toes back towards you ,this one stretches the calf muscles . Geo hope this can help

[Whitsend]

You've got the right instinct, Geo. These are part of the regimine given to me by the physical therapist.

[hopingforcure]

Yep you guys sound just like me. Boy those stiff muscles, and ill motor neuron's sure feel better from a good stretch. Geo going to do the stretch you mentioned, you always have those good ideas, keep them coming my friend..Hoping

[kelly]

Geo. I thought that was a great and clear way to describe foot drop. I have been noticing lately that my husband is doing more of a shuffle. The only relief he finds for the stiffness is pool therapy. I have been wondering if orthodic braces would be helpful..fearing a fall. Hope you are feeling well these days.

[sharonca]

Kelly - I highly recommend Ankle Foot Orthotics (AFOs). I walk so much better and rarely trip when I have them on. If it wasn't so akward I'd sleep in them! I have carbon fiber AFOs made by "Toe Off". My PT was so happy I got the "good ones". Very comfortable.

Sharonca

[liz]

Hi Kelly -

I'll second Sharon's recco on the AFO's. They have definitely stabilized my walking. If your husband's hands are bad he may need help putting them on. Dr. Cooper gave me a script for them as soon as I asked.

Liz

[Geo]

The one that feels the best for me is when i sit in a chair and point the toes back toward me ,If i hold it there for a minute ,its Heavenly ,my calves feel much better Also you can use something to pull the toes back like a rope .Mayo gave me a Rubber thing . You can also sit on the floor and do this ,but i find 2 chairs is good . AFO,s are Great from what ive heard . But im stuborn and havent gotten them yet . I was at Baseball Spring Training and saw a Young Girl with her father there ,she had them on ,she was only 11 -12 . I felt so bad for her .So Young and to have something that would Keep her from having a normal life . I feel so bad to see the young folks disabled .At Least most of us have has a Life until now . Geo

[panamokapal]

last april i was using one afo on my left foot, i was very thickheaded and didn't want to use it at all, that whole pride thing, but i was able to walk the entire park at disney without assistance. this year i need for both but what i difference when walking. i encourage anyone who needs them to get them and not wait.

[Whitsend]

I have one for my left foot, but I have to admit, I've stopped wearing it. It hurts like he**. And yes, it's been refitted. Still hurts. Put a piece of hard plastic in your shoe and there's no way it's going to feel good.

SharonCA, what is carbon fiber? Is it soft?

[sharonca]

Whitsend - Carbon Fiber is the latest thing in AFOs. Just google carbon fiber AFO and see what comes up. The one I have is by the manufacturer ToeOff. These are so comfortable I can hardly believe it. Everyone I have shown them to has just been amazed. I was even showing them off at the ALS TDI meeting last Saturday at Long Beach.

They look like metal but it really isn't. I think it is the same material used for artificial legs/feet - the curved ones that people run on.

I don't know about other brands but mine are great. I got them through a rehab place in Palm Desert CA.

Sharonca

[panamokapal]

i have the carbon afo's , they slip in my shoe, one strap at the top and i'm ready to go. they don't even weigh a pound, very light weight

[Whitsend]

Thank you so much SharonCa and panamokapal. I'm definitely going to look into this.