What Can Help Me Walk Better Again? - Medical Supplies, Canes, AFOs, and the WalkAide
1.
) Introduction What is available to help people walk better? This is a great question and we can help you with the answer.
- Medical supplies exist that can help a person walk faster and with more balance.
Canes exist, leg and foot braces and another device is currently available to patients called the WalkAide.
The purpose of this article is to point out that these devices exist, not to say which one is better than the next.
Everyone has different preferences.
2.
) Canes / Walking Sticks These medical devices have existed for a long time.
Yes, they can help you with walking in terms of your balance and walking speed.
These are age old devices that have value, but there are down sides to using this kind of device.
For example, you will need to carry something when you walk and people can clearly see that you have a walking problem because you are carrying the cane.
- If this does not bother you then great, but for many people, they would rather do without a cane if possible.
The bottom line is that they can help people walk better, but there are downsides for patients to consider.
3.
) Leg and Foot Braces - AFOs - Ankle Foot Orthoses These braces are typically provided by a licensed orthotist (brace specialist).
These braces typically fit into a shoe and can help provide support to the foot and ankle.
These kinds of braces can help hold up the foot when you walk, while providing support to the ankle and indirect support to the knee.
In essence, these braces can help an individual walk better and you do not have to hold anything when you walk.
The brace can be easily hidden by a pair of pants as well, which makes it an attractive option to help you walk better.
4.
) Walk Aide This is a newer device that can help people walk better.
It is specific in its application and aims to help people with drop foot.
If your foot drop is due to a stroke, brain injury or MS (multiple sclerosis) then you can be a candidate for this kind of waking device.
Moreover, patients with neurological conditions may also be a candidates for this kind of device.
The WalkAide can send electrical signals to the peroneal nerve that is located in your lower leg.
This nerve is located on the outside portion of the lower leg and it helps to control movement in your foot and ankle.
When these electrical impulses are sent down to the leg, they can help to activate muscles which can bring your foot up when you walk.
Note: This is health information.
Medical advice on AFOs and the walk aid should be received from your local, licensed orthotist.
) Introduction What is available to help people walk better? This is a great question and we can help you with the answer.
- Medical supplies exist that can help a person walk faster and with more balance.
Canes exist, leg and foot braces and another device is currently available to patients called the WalkAide.
The purpose of this article is to point out that these devices exist, not to say which one is better than the next.
Everyone has different preferences.
2.
) Canes / Walking Sticks These medical devices have existed for a long time.
Yes, they can help you with walking in terms of your balance and walking speed.
These are age old devices that have value, but there are down sides to using this kind of device.
For example, you will need to carry something when you walk and people can clearly see that you have a walking problem because you are carrying the cane.
- If this does not bother you then great, but for many people, they would rather do without a cane if possible.
The bottom line is that they can help people walk better, but there are downsides for patients to consider.
3.
) Leg and Foot Braces - AFOs - Ankle Foot Orthoses These braces are typically provided by a licensed orthotist (brace specialist).
These braces typically fit into a shoe and can help provide support to the foot and ankle.
These kinds of braces can help hold up the foot when you walk, while providing support to the ankle and indirect support to the knee.
In essence, these braces can help an individual walk better and you do not have to hold anything when you walk.
The brace can be easily hidden by a pair of pants as well, which makes it an attractive option to help you walk better.
4.
) Walk Aide This is a newer device that can help people walk better.
It is specific in its application and aims to help people with drop foot.
If your foot drop is due to a stroke, brain injury or MS (multiple sclerosis) then you can be a candidate for this kind of waking device.
Moreover, patients with neurological conditions may also be a candidates for this kind of device.
The WalkAide can send electrical signals to the peroneal nerve that is located in your lower leg.
This nerve is located on the outside portion of the lower leg and it helps to control movement in your foot and ankle.
When these electrical impulses are sent down to the leg, they can help to activate muscles which can bring your foot up when you walk.
Note: This is health information.
Medical advice on AFOs and the walk aid should be received from your local, licensed orthotist.
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