Hi Everyone. I had a stroke 3 months ago which affected my left leg and arm. I have been walking round the house with a stick but my left foot started to turn over on the outside which made me very unstable and likely to topple over. The physio has given me an ankle support which when we tried it whilst she was here appeared to be working well. However two days afterward my foot has started to turn over again. Has anyone used an ankle support and if so did it work? I tend to think its not the ankle that needs support but the actual foot. Anyone any ideas please? I am getting very frustrated and depressed with lack of progress now. I understand its a slow process and takes time but at my age I simply haven’t got time!! Thanks for reading
3 Likes
@Apple sorry you’re having trouble with your foot. I’ve not got an ankle support per se but do have an AFO which is Ankle Foot Orthotic. I’m not sure if it would be suitable for you as I still roll onto outside of foot occasionally. I wonder, if it worked ok when physio was there, if you are fitting it correctly? Ever so slightly out may make a big difference. Do you perhaps need to slow yourself down a little so you can consciously think about foot placement? These might not be relevant for you - i’m just offering my thoughts. Sometimes it is just down to patience. Hopefully someone can provide some better advice for you.
2 Likes
Actually yes thats what Ive got too! Did wonder if it was on correctly. Will take it off and have a look and read the instructions again! The physio will be back Friday morning so will ask her to show us again. So annoying as I was so pleased with it in the first place. Thanks.
I have an ankle thetvturns and like you and @Mrs5K have an orthotic which helps the connection between the bottom of my foot and the inside of a shoe.
My physio has changed the way i sit to stand which seens to flatten my foot onto the ground and prevents my toes from curling under.
Persevere with the orthotic it will help and my ankle is feeling stronger as a result.
Tiredness affects my ankle position sometimes too…
1 Like
Fingers crossed it is something as simple as not being fitted quite right. I know if mine isn’t quite right I can tell the difference. At least you don’t have too long to wait till the physio is back. Good luck x
I have drop foot, which started about 8 months after my stroke (and my walking with a stroller was getting quite good). Now I dare not venture out alone because I,m fearful of trippin’ bit dodgy in the house as well! I have an appointment at the beginning of March when I hope to be supplied with an orthotic. Reading various posts it’s seems quite optimistic, here’s hoping.
1 Like
Still haven’t got my foot problem sorted. It wasnt an orthotic splint on my leg its a smaller splint which is doing no good whatsoever. Physios now looking into a different one plus have given me more exercises. I have asked about Botox but they are trying everything else first as apparantly where they would have to put the needle could cause more problems if it goes in the wrong place - great!
Am also trying Accupuncture but thats not helping either although I have only had 3 sessions! Accupuncturist has given us a tens machine to try at home.
Off to opticians this afternoon for the DVLA sight test
1 Like
@Georgie2021 welcome to the forum. I too have a problem with my walking & have an orthotic. Here’s hoping an orthotic will be just the thing for you.
Ann
Hope you get sorted soon Georgie. I haven’t got a drop foot but mine rolls over onto the outside of the foot making me very unstable.like you I’m terrified of walking outside. Not too bad inside but the thought of falling on concrete terrifies me
Thank you all for your helpful comments. I have an appointment for an orthotic at the beginning of March, so here’s hoping! I also have an appointment with a neurologist that has been postponed twice. But has now been moved forward to May. Unheard off! I’m struggling to believe I’ve got the right year!
2 Likes
Yes i have a plastic afo brace…i.It holds my foot at 90 degrees… it also supports my calf. I have spasticity that gives me claw toe, knee hyperextention and ankle rolling so this is what they gave me at the stroke rehab hospital…i have used this for a year to walk short distances…
Hope this suggestion helps you, perhaps your brace is not supportive enough… 
check with your dr.
1 Like