This AFO is better than anything I have seen. It allows me to walk heel-toe, on my weak leg, faster than I ever expected to walk again in my life. I spent the afternoon walking the halls at a local hospital yesterday, while my wife visited her sick father. When I was walking (with a walker) with my wife and daughter, my daughter told me she had not thought I could walk that fast. My left foot usually drags and the weight of my old plastic AFO weighs me down, so I can not walk very well, even though it is an advanced model with a rubber spring to return my foot to a bent position after I step.
With these metal springs on my new carbon fiber AFO, I walk in a much more natural gait and very fast, because of its light weight and the strong springs. Before I put it on, it naturally takes its "bent" position. When I put it on, it straightens out. There is nothing like this AFO that I am aware of, and it will help ANY pwMS or anyone else with foot drop. I do not care whether this technology is patented or not. I do not care if they sell a lot. I have mine. I just responded to the question, and I think the readers of his forum have a right to see my answer:
David1949 wrote:
1eye
The new AFO sounds interesting. Is there a name for it or a link to it?
Thanks
Apparently there are two versions. I have the single-sided version:
http://fillauer.com/Orthotics/Dynamic-Walk.html
So far, I can wear the thing all day.
If it's any help, this AFO does have disadvantages. If the carbon fiber is heated too much it will delaminate, destroying it. The shoes worn with it must be laced very tight so it will not ride up and down while you walk.
Just because someone may profit does not make this answer either self-serving or annoying to anyone. If someone doesn't like it, please send me a PM and I will explain why it is important not to censor it.
Chris (1eye)
