For years I have been resisting the idea of wearing AFOs. What are AFOs you ask? Alternate Foot Objects? Amazing Foot Odors? Awkward Fabulous Orthotics? Well, official definition per Google is:
An ankle-foot orthosis, or AFO, is a support intended to control the position and motion of the ankle, compensate for weakness, or correct deformities. AFOs can be used to support weak limbs, or to position a limb with contracted muscles into a more normal position.
The thought of wearing an AFO felt as if I was giving up or giving into my condition somehow. I have a form of Muscular Dystrophy called CMT, Charcot Marie Tooth, which causes neuropathy. Yes, AFOs would help me walk better, but would I become dependent on them? Would I be able to walk around the house without them? Would using them weaken other muscles? How sexy would I look wearing them – haha! If you know me, a sexy look is the last thing I worry about. But would I look odd? I finally got used to the fact that I had to wear sneakers with every outfit to every event, and now I was going to add AFOs to the look?
Well, one of the blessings from my cancer journey is the changes made to my activity level and mobility due to increased physical therapy, weight loss and…. AFOs. I was put on an alternative chemo protocol due to concerns over increased neuropathy. The common chemo recommended for my cancer tended to cause neuropathy. Well, I already have that. No need to compound it. My Oncologist also sent me to Hospital for Special Care to monitory my neuropathy. They have an excellent program to assist those with Muscular Dystrophy. I was signed up for Physical Therapy. They suggested I use these ankle supports for my foot drop. These ankle supports could be purchased right from Amazon. They were a game changer. Once I got over the fashion statement, I enjoyed walking better. They were a stepping stone to using full blown AFOs.
I’d like to tell you they were really easy to put on, and eventually they were. But the first time I wore them, it took my sister and me a ½ hour to just get one on up properly. But we laughed hard through the entire process – another blessing! Laughter is always good medicine.
After my surgery (a full hysterectomy and more), I couldn’t walk. It is amazing how much your stomach and core muscles impact your walking, especially when you have neuropathy. I was at McLean rehab for 9 days. They are wonderful! I learned many new exercises. I was using a walker, exercising every day. I felt stronger. I lost more weight. But, my knee and back were both hurting. Increased activity felt incredible, but my alignment was all off. My initial foot drop braces weren’t enough.
Enter AFOs. I had a custom orthotic and brace made to support proper alignment. Once I used them for a week, my knee and back pain went away! At first I was self-conscious. But I was self-conscious over my initial foot drop braces and eventually I didn’t care or notice them. My friend Jason pointed that out. He said I would be used to the new AFOs in no time and he was right.
I am walking a bit faster and my balance is better. I hope to venture out on some easy hiking trails soon. The other day my neighbor noticed my AFOs and asked if they were weights. How cool is it if people think I am walking around with weights and working out while I walk?
So, yes, I am wearing my AFOs. My muscles are still strong, but I do continue my PT exercises. And I am used to my new look!
I haven’t worn them with shorts or a dress yet, but I’ll keep you posted on those awesome fashion statements!
Finding the Ability to Step Out!
Photos below by Zoe Maney
Finding Abilities 