Various types of bracing

Over the years we've encountered many different types of bracing used successfully by people who have CMT.

Listed here are web sites that will link you to manufacturers of these various orthotics. These web sites also have excellent photos of the braces discussed.

Keep in mind that not all bracing work for everyone. You may have to do some sleuthing to find one that truly works for you and nothing beats a custom-made ankle foot orthosis fitted by an orthotist who knows CMT.

Aircast and RocketSoc
Aircast is a plastic air-stirrup ankle brace that blows up and will hold up a foot affected by footdrop. It is not meant to be a permanent brace. The Aircast is made by DonJoy who also distribute the RocketSoc, a semi solid brace also used by people who have CMT. To take a look at these types of bracing go to:
www.anklebrace.info/donjoy/

ToeOFF
The ToeOFF is a lightweight carbon reinforced ankle foot orthosis. It is worn at the anterior side of the leg, bridging the ankle and preventing plantar flexion. The orthosis is designed to absorb the force at heel strike and to support the action at toe off, thus achieving a more normal and dynamic gait. It is used for people who have foot drop as a result of neurological disorders and instability of the ankle.

The manufacturers also have brochures, and videos available and CD-ROMs, but they're mostly for the practitioner (orthotist) fitting the brace.

Camp Healthcare also distributes the Swede-o brace, a soft fabric lace-up brace used by people not ready to go into an AFO.
ToeOFF and Swede-o can be found at:
www.campscandinavia.se/toeoff.htm
www.camphealthcare.com

The Double Helix Brace
The Double Helix brace is a dynamic ankle foot orthosis made of graphite that not only corrects complex deformities over a period of time but returns energy to the individual, says the literature. Mitchell Warner, the designer of this interesting and promising brace is working with patients now from his office in Las Vegas, NV.

For further information go to www.ordesignslv.com and click on the Double Helix brace button and you may e-mail Mitchell Warner at ORDesignsLV@cs.com .
www.ORDesignsLV.com

Gary Shepherd, Double Helix brace user, writes about his orthotics: "I discovered you (CMT Int.) seven or so years ago once (finally after many years) I was diagnosed with CMT. It is through you that I came across the Double Helix brace. This brace system has greatly helped my situation, and orthopedic folks still marvel when they see its unusual but highly effective design."

If you'd like to talk to Gary on e-mail after you've looked at the Double Helix brace Web site, he can be reached at gary@shepdesignassoc.com

The Walk Right Brace
Linda here - Many years ago, during our first convention in Toronto, I vividly remember standing on the hotel balcony watching fireworks over the lake and Dr. Robert Sampson telling Che Fornusek of New Zealand that if he just attached a shoelace to the bottom of his laces and around his ankle it would help his foot- drop so he could play soccer without tripping. I have told many people since.

Now, there is the Walk Right Brace designed by Terry Thompson, a pedorthist in Ohio, on the same concept of helping footdrop without interfering with your foot.

Your shoe must be fit with the Walk Right Heel and then the Walk Right Brace but you can use it with your own footwear, even sneakers.

Some of us have problems from ankle foot orthoses (AFO) and really only need something to help us pick up our toes. Shearing of the skin, calluses, blisters, pinching, burning pain and even ulcers can all be part of wearing an AFO that doesn't fit right. The Walk Right does not go in your shoe, is light, cool, can improve balance, does not contribute to muscle atrophy and is also available in black.

For further information get in touch with Keith Markusic at (800)467-3151 or (330)757-8613; or go to www.walkrightbrace.com.