Foot Drop and the Dorsi-Strap™ for Foot Drop Brace
Drop Foot Syndrome, also known as dropfoot or footdrop, occurs in
a large segment of the population for a variety of reasons. Back, hip or leg
surgery, stroke, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and physical
trauma such as vehicle or sports accidents are common causes of the drop foot
symptom.
Traditionally, treatment of drop foot, in addition to physical
therapy, is by means of drop foot braces, AFO braces, and various foot drop
supports. These braces for foot drop are usually doctor-prescribed, costly
ankle foot orthosis devices that must be custom-made. Getting one of these
devices entails taking impressions, fittings, customization, and lots of
waiting. An individual with foot drop symptom must often get special shoes that
will accommodate the drop foot braces' components.
The typical brace for foot drop consists of two connected
sections. One section, usually rigid or semi-rigid, is placed into the shoe
before the foot is inserted, and remains under the foot when in use. To this
horizontal section is connected a vertical section that reaches up the leg, at
the side(s) or at the back, sometimes nearly as high as the knee. This vertical
member is attached to the leg via some form of strapping. The vertical and
horizontal components of the typical drop foot brace are permanently attached
at a fixed angle of approximately 90 degrees. This keeps the forefoot from
drooping, and maintains the foot in a neutral position. The components of
braces for drop foot are made of metals and/or hard plastics and require
padding to avoid irritation. They feel heavy, hot and uncomfortable. These
typical ankle foot orthoses fix the angle of the foot relative to the leg
bones, thereby restricting normal ankle joint mobility, making walking
difficult, and causing an unnatural gait, irritation and callusing.
As far as appearance, conventional AFOs look "orthopedic".
Reaching half way up the leg, or even higher, they also have a wide profile,
and stick out beyond the user's natural profile. Thus it always look like the
wearer has a severe problem.
Where does the Dorsi-Strap™ AFO brace fit into the foot drop
treatment picture?
The Dorsi-Strap™ for foot drop AFO provides dorsi-flexion
support for drop foot sufferers. This brace for drop foot solves the problem,
without creating new problems.
CLICK HERE to get the full story
about the Dorsi-Strap™. |
MORE
