Hi , having great problems trying to find boots /trainers etc to fit with wearing splint in left leg , anybody else have same problem?
thx Fiona x
Sadly no idea about boots, but getting a fes will avoid the problem.
Thx for this, asked them to sent me an information pack as it sounds good. The splint im using goes under the foot and up the leg and it is really annoying to find wide foot shoes boots trainers etc to fit , i really appreciate you getting back to me thx Fiona x
To be honest, I am not a big fan of traditional splints, because the muscles will just waste if you isolate the foot and make the problem worse. A fes can build up muscle strength over time and strikes me as a better solution. My GP got it all sorted out on the NHS, so well worth asking.
I hope you get to take one for a road test.
Fiona
I agree with Whamme. I was given a splint by the Orthotist at the hospital but hated it as I could only wear it with trainers. They then gave me a thing that wraps around the leg and foot and holds the foot up but again I could only really wear it with trainers. As I love shoes and not really a girl who wears trainers, except for the gym, this was a problem.
My solution has also been a FES. I got mine via the local MS Therapy Centre who applied for funding for me. This was granted so I got my own machine for free along with replacement electrodes etc. And I succesfully wear it with lots of different shoes and boots. In winter I wear it with boots and leggings or skinny jeans and also skirts - the trick is to wear opaque footless tights so you can thread the wire through to connect to the footswitch. There is a wireless version which I haven’t investigated yet but fear the thicker insole needed would not fit in many shoes.
The FES is a bit of a faff with all the wires and getting electrodes in the right place but you get used to it. And although the control box is a bit bulky I just nip to the loo when I get to work or wherever I 'm going and remove until I need to walk any distance again. It definitely helps my walking and I haven’t had any falls when wearing it. By the way the MS Society have produced a guide on fighting for funding for a FES at it is NICE approved -available from the Publications section of this site.
Good luck
Hilary
Hi, Fiona, re Splint, l was told to buy mens trainers two sizes to big that ment having to buy two pairs the right size for the left foot and the bigger size for the right. did not work very well for me made me trip more.
l was given a FES and that is helping me when l get it on the right spot for the electrodes. Ask your GP about it my does fund it. Good luck regards Jan
Hi Fiona. I’m going through exactly the same thing. Over the last few days I’ve been researching FES. My neurophysio told me that it is no longer funded by the NHS. After looking at the website that was recommended here by Whammel, I am due to see my neurophysio next week, I will be raising the issue again and hope she will try to get funding for it. The splint I have been supplied with is all wrong and doesn’t do what it needs to. My right foot tips over completely and I cannot walk properly and also my toes claw. I am interested to see that most answers on your question refer to FES. This has got to be the way forward for me, but it is expensive so I’ll have to get funding from somewhere. Let us know what you decide to do. Linda x
There is a useful looking guide on this site, in case you haven’t seen it.
The comments on page 5 are interesting.
hi fiona ,
i have/had the same problem with footwear.
wearing a full leg /foot brace on right leg was using a velcroboot , but getting a pair of shoes made for me made to measure at the hospital/ortotics dept.
asked for a referal note from my g.p. waiting time for appointment to get fitted takes about 16 weeks , going for final fitting this month should have proper shoes next month . (navy blue leather)
maybe you can try your g.p.?
take care tina x.