Drop foot

Everyday living
1

Hi,

I’ve got drop foot and its quite bad. If you have it what do you use to stop you falling flat on your face when you are walking?

I use something called a MuSmate. Without it I would not be able to walk more than a few yards. Does anyone else use a MuSmate or what else do you use if you’ve got drop foot

Look forward to hearing from you

Thanks,

Patrick

www.aid4disabled

2

I use an FES - that’s a Functional Electrical Stimulator. It’s a small battery operated box that sends a charge down a wire to two electrodes stuck on your leg. It only sends the charge when you lift your foot off the ground. The charge keeps your foot at right angles to your ankle, so it can’t drop.

3

These are my favourite solutions in order of preference.

http://www.odstockmedical.com

http://www.dorset-ortho.com/orthotics/orthotic-products/safo/

http://www.footdropsolutions.co.uk/dorsi_lite_foot_drop_splint.php

http://www.ossurwebshop.co.uk/products/foot%252dup%252dR%252d-for-drop-foot.html

4

Hello Whamel,

I use something called the MuSmate, its an elastic arrangment that lifts the foot off the ground as the leg swings forward. FES is another option that interests me. I’m on a medical trial and tested on walking ability so I cannot realistically change to FES unless crucial. I have used the foot-up in the past but discarded it as it has proved to be ineffective for me.

Interested in what is available, I suspect that you have covered all the available options except for crutches.

Thanks anyway,

Patrick

5

Hello Patrick,

I met a woman years ago that used to wear a prototype version of MuSmate, but it looked a bit Heath Robinson at the time and seemed to be held together with knicker elastic. Still, I expect the idea has been developed quite a lot since those early days.

The fes remains my preferred option, because unlike most alternatives it helps build muscle strength. I expect you are fully aware of the options too and hope the trial goes well.

6

Hi, I use FES as well, have done for 4 years and is very useful. Without it walking outside would be impossible. I used to use a footup elastic arrangment but my foot drop got so bad only the FES seemed to do the job.

Tim

7

Hi Whammel,

Knicker elastic or not it is very effective + a darn site cheaper. I hear what you are saying about FES. I just wish more people knew about MuSmate, its not available on NHS.

Tim600 : Have you loked at MuSmate?

The great thing with MuSmate is that you can vary its effectiveness ‘on the hoof’ as it were.

I would love to hear from someone who has tried both - ir there anyone out there who has experienced both solutions?

As ever I’m hopeful,

Patrick

www.aid4disabled.c=om

8

Hi Patrick, I’ve not had a look at MuSmate, sounds interesting. Hope it works for you.

Tim

9

A while bacl I used the Foot Up. It work for a while but then became ineffective.

For the last 5 years or so I’ve used a SAFO. (Silicone Ankle Foot Orthosis). The SAFO is very lightweight brace but is strong across the bridge of the foot and keepts the foot in the “right” place. It’s very easy to put on and once it’s once you don’t have to think about it any more.

The SAFO has been great for me as I very rarely stumble these days.

Derek.

10

A while bacl I used the Foot Up. It work for a while but then became ineffective.

For the last 5 years or so I’ve used a SAFO. (Silicone Ankle Foot Orthosis). The SAFO is very lightweight brace but is strong across the bridge of the foot and keepts the foot in the “right” place. It’s very easy to put on and once it’s once you don’t have to think about it any more.

The SAFO has been great for me as I very rarely stumble these days.

Derek.