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My neuro has prescribed an AFO for foot drop. I live 2 hours away from neuro and was planning to get fitted in hometown. Neuro said to make sure AFO is made from titanium, but no one I've contacted is familiar with anything of the sort. Any suggestions? Maybe I'm not asking for the right thing?

Any help would be appreciated!!!

Brantoli,

I am not familiar with the acronym 'AFO'. Could you tell me what it stands for please? Thanks.

Wesley

Wesley -

It's an ankle foot orthotic or orthosis.

I googled this on the internet but didn't see a stock item by any manufacturer that fit your dr's description. My brother-in-law sells afo's and I will ask him about this when I see him later today.

Marcia

My AFO is a plastic one and it was molded to fit my foot and leg exactly. It had to be refitted several times before it was a perfect fit. It must be exactly right or you will get pressure sores in any area it does not fit really well.

Mine is an articulated brace and it has moving parts that pop the foot up, these parts are key to the function and they are metal. I can imagine that part maybe being titanium and lasting well because of it.

All that having been said, I find my AFO does not help much. It will not help your leg bend at the knee and if a big part of the problem with your walking as it is in mine, you may find that it helps not at all so, try a loaner before you pay big $$! Mine sits in the closet.

Mine too. I didn't even try it outside because my problem is not only a foot drop but the whole pelvis drops to the weak side. (positive Trendelenburg they call it.) So I agree. If you can borrow it first and even just to get a feeling of it. good luck. Carole