Ankle- foot brace needs special care
The only disability in life is a bad attitude.
— Scott Hamilton
It’s good to be reminded that you’re not alone in your struggles. Several people sent encouraging emails after my last column, in which I wrote about my diagnosis of Charcot neuroarthropathy and my prescription for a brace.
Thousands of people wear braces for one medical reason or another. They live and work from day to day, and experience a good quality of life. That is my goal too.
I know I need to keep a good attitude about things because, hey, they could always be worse.
Charcot neuroarthropathy affects the bones of the foot and ankle. I will be getting an AFO brace. AFO stands for ankle- foot orthosis. It’s an orthotic foot brace that will help correct the position of my ankle and foot and maintain proper alignment.
I haven’t received the brace as of this writing, but I’m anxiously waiting. And I’m excited to see how it will
improve my quality of life.
GET READY, GET SET
As I was finishing up my first appointment at Snell Prosthetic and Orthotic Laboratory, I was handed a sheet of paper with some instructions about wear and care of my brace.
I remembered an issue I had when I got a pair of custom orthotic insoles last year. I wore them all day the first day, and it didn’t take long to realize that I needed a “wearing- in” period so my whole body could adjust to the change in alignment. By the end of that day, I hurt all over.
I realized I hadn’t thoroughly read the instructions that came with the insoles. Lesson learned. So when the Snell orthotist handed me instructions, I read over them and saw there was a break- in schedule.
On Day One, I will wear the brace two to three hours and then remove it for the rest of the day. On Day Two, I’ll wear it three to four hours and remove, and on Day Three, I’ll wear it five to six hours and remove. I’ll continue the pattern until I’m wearing the brace all day.
Since my brace is made by Arizona AFO, I went to that website ( ArizonaAFO. com) to see what other information I could find to help me, and others, use their AFOs to their fullest potential.
According to the website, the brace must be worn with a shoe or it will be ineffective. Specifically, a shoe that provides sufficient support. Slippers and sandals may not work.
When choosing shoes, always try them on with the brace. The best shoes will feature a closed back and toe, fitting over the foot like laced- up sports shoes. Choose low heels and slightly wider shoes that can be laced snugly to hold the foot securely in place.
The brace should be worn with a sock, stocking or something under it to reduce friction and protect from perspiration. If your foot gets super sweaty, foot powder sprinkled in the sock can help, or you can change socks frequently.
A properly fitting brace should exert a firm, steady pressure on the foot and ankle. If you experience a stabbing pain, bruises, calluses or blisters, call your health- care professional immediately.
Arizona also stresses the importance of keeping yourself and the orthotic clean. They recommend washing the area covered by the brace every day. Use warm water and mild soap, and rinse thoroughly. Make sure the skin is dry before putting on your brace.
The inside should be cleaned regularly with a half alcohol, half water solution, using a clean cotton towel. It should then be towel- or air- dried. Do not use a hair dryer on it or set it near a heat source to dry. The outside is leather, so use leather cleaner and conditioner.
A good habit to develop, they say, is to examine your feet at the end of the day. People with diabetes or neuropathy are especially vulnerable to skin irritation, and even something minor should be taken seriously.