Reply To: Bilateral foot drop and unstable standing

As a general note- I have worn a single customized plastic AFO since 1980. I have worn bi-lateral customized AFO’s since the late 1980’s. I have the following comments:

1. AFO’s should not pinch, squeeze, slide or otherwise cause pain.
2. AFO fit should be re-evaluated periodically.
3. If you get a poor fit or poor service, change service providers.
4. I would much rather wear my AFO’s then stub my big toes, curling them under my feet and then walking on them.
5. I would rather wear AFO’s than trip over a small imperfection in the walking surface and fall flat on my face.
6. AFO’s are a nuisance when driving, so I take them off.
7. If I do not wear knee high nylon ‘stockings’ the plastic rubs and then burns the skin on my calves. Ouch.
8. AFO’s are a nuisance to wear while standing straight up and still. They are designed with a bias that causes undue pressure when not moving. So, I avoid standing still, preferring to not deal with the bias.