rose
Extremely helpful member
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2008
- Messages
- 2,925
- Reason
- DX MND
- Diagnosis
- 7/2008
- Country
- US
- State
- Maryland
- City
- Anytown
I've caught a few posts lately, mentioning how uncomfortable their AFO's are. I would hate not liking to wear mine. They do give me better balance in addition to keeping me from tripping. As mine are not uncomfortable for me, it makes me wonder if maybe those of you who feel this way should perhaps talk with either the orthotics provider, or the doctor who provided the prescription for them (?) Mine are lightweight, and although I sometimes notice the rigidity on the top outsides of my foot, usually it has to do with my shoe strap being overly tight, and a little adjustment is all it takes to fix the problem. I can wear them in many shoes, although not all shoes. I wear the same size I always did with them, if it seems between sizes, I opt to go up a half size. One of the main things to look for are removable insoles so there is room for the AFO to fit into the shoe, and then either the insole that comes with the shoe, or another one that you like, to go on top of the AFO footplate for cushioning. Cushion makes a huge difference in comfort. For women, the type of shoe called a "Maryjane" that has the strap across the instep works the best. The strap has to be across the instep from side to side, not attach to the ankle sling if its a sandal. The key is holding the AFO up against the sole of your foot. Even men's sandals can be found with a strap that tightens over the instep... I have a pair of Maryjanes by Aetrex that are actually patent leather, and are even cute. I have another pair by this same manufacturer made of a microfiber, and they are machine washable. This past winter, some lace up boots worked, others did not lace up tight enough to keep my foot tight against the afo. So, even though two pair of boots or shoes may look the same, subtle differences can matter a lot. Another thing to look for is how much the shoe weighs (light = good)
Last spring I'd posted about some sandals I found that would work with them. The Prophet brand is what I ended up with, and even though I liked them, they did not hold up that well. Just today, I ordered two pair by Aetrex (because I like the maryjanes by them so much) and will post photos later if anyone is interested.
One of the keys to wearing the afo, if you are concerned with appearance, is to have pant legs wide enough to accommodate the cuff, so it does not hitch up there. Again, from a woman's perspective, I've found that leggings are great with them. Black or dark colored ones look better because the AFOs are black... )
Below is a picture of me wearing leggings with the afos. Sure, you can see them, but I don't feel like they scream "look at me!"
(and as soon as it gets hot, like it has been the last few days here, I end up wearing them with bare legs and the sundresses, fashion be damned)
Last spring I'd posted about some sandals I found that would work with them. The Prophet brand is what I ended up with, and even though I liked them, they did not hold up that well. Just today, I ordered two pair by Aetrex (because I like the maryjanes by them so much) and will post photos later if anyone is interested.
One of the keys to wearing the afo, if you are concerned with appearance, is to have pant legs wide enough to accommodate the cuff, so it does not hitch up there. Again, from a woman's perspective, I've found that leggings are great with them. Black or dark colored ones look better because the AFOs are black... )
Below is a picture of me wearing leggings with the afos. Sure, you can see them, but I don't feel like they scream "look at me!"
(and as soon as it gets hot, like it has been the last few days here, I end up wearing them with bare legs and the sundresses, fashion be damned)
Attachments
Last edited: