Hi there,
Has anyone used functional electrical stimulation for drop foot?
I have recently tried one and it worked on me, am on a waiting list for a loan one from hospital whilst waiting for a referral (waiting list 18 months) at the main centre to get my own.
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I have been wearing one for 25 years, so safe to say I think they are a brilliant bit of kit. Your GP can refer you for assessment to see if FES suits you.
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Yes, I used the WalkAide after a stroke. Helped with walking and reduced tripping. Needs some peroneal nerve function to work well. Try it during physio before buying.
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Iām on the waiting list and Iāve tried it. It may not be for everyone itās not the most comfortable thing 
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Yes, I used it about 10 years ago when I first started having problems with foot Drop. Back then I had to stick two pads on each leg with wires that went up to a Control box that I clipped onto my belt it did work really well even if it was a bit of a Pfaff putting them on. I used them for three or four years until I had to use a wheelchair more often, and I know that since then the technology has really changed and I know that one of the newer types was like a cuff that you wore just below the knee back and didnāt need so many wires.
When I was trying to get the equipment the local health board refused to provide it saying that it wasnāt something that they had to do, so I worked with the MS Society in Cardiff and the campaign manager for the Society to lobby them and to get local politicians involved and they did actually change the policy and agree to fund for up to 200 people.
Good luck with it
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Thank you for responding. I have an assessment for this at the beginning of August so i am a little bit apprehensive!
Thank you for your response> I have an upcoming appointment, I am a bit apprehensive! Nervous about the whole thing to be honest.I have drop foot on my left foot and cannot walk very far before stopping
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Good luck on the assessment, donāt forget if it doesnāt suit there are also orthotics, having just come back from physio I am also going to be referred for this as the waiting list for the āborrowedā FES while waiting for the owned one also looks a long wait. I am however a bit better off than some, I can walk okay ish until about the 20 min mark at a time then it really kicks in
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Hi julyann_blake
I have to agree with whammel and others my FES is amazing!! It allows me to āwalkā ( albeit in my own inimitable style ha ha)!! It is ALWAYS a huge talking point when Iām out and wearing shorter trousers as people see it and are interestedā¦.. I say itās my bionic leg
I love it, in fact Iām thinking they may have to wrestle me to take it back should that day ever arrive (joking!)
Recently Iāve been unable to feel the stimulation so the team have recalibrated the box and Iām good again. But they did mention that once the FES isnāt suitable for me there are lots of alternatives.
I wish you well in your assessment appointment but Iād say donāt lose hope if you donāt get on with the FES as āwe have optionsā
Anita x
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Dear Anita,
Much appreciate your response including other devices that i can perhaps utilise for my mobility issues. Fingers crossed, my assessment will be successful 
. If not, there are other devices that i can find
Julyann. X
I have a pair of wireless Alfess cuffs. They are a simple all in one cuff - no need to calibrate or use disposable sticky pads. Not cheap at Ā£2800 a leg but quick to put on and off and controlled either by an app or small remote control. No foot switches or wires - uses an accelerometer and gyroscope to know when you step. Has AI to learn your walking style
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Good day everyone! I had my FES assessment, it went well. The FES itself seems okay. They will give me one on loan next week, it seems okay connecting up etc and does feel a bit strange when I am walking but I think it will be okay once I get used to it!
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Glad to hear it suits you and there is a lot of useful information on this site, in case you ever need it.
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Iām absolutely delighted reading your post!! Wonderful news, yes it does feel strange initially but believe me, once you get used to it youāll not look back. Good luck going forward!!
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what make/model is it?
Hi Dave1979
Not sure if youāre asking me (sorry) but my machine is from Odstock itās the Pace system and was given to me by the NHS Mobility clinic in Sheffield following a referral by my Neurologist
Yes it was thanks! Was curious if it was NHS or private
Ah no worries, yes it was given to me when I was first diagnosed, and I order everything I need from the mobility team at hospital. I definitely feel fortunate as Iām not sure every health authority provides them.
Thatās great BlinkingMS! I didnāt have any issues with my mobility when I was first diagnosed. 13 years later, am now being bothered, I have to say following 2 years of mauvenclad, my mobility decreased! Maybe there is no connection but hey ho, am here now! I got loaned the FES through the NHS which I have recently started to use. Itās okay, I walk faster with it and am more balanced. I will make a note of any issues over the next month