Finding Compatible AFO’s and KO’s
I’m not a fan of the extremely limited options offered from a KAFO, so I opt to pair 2 devices for my drop foot and hyper-extended knee.
I am really really enjoying my Sstep sock for managing my drop foot.?I got it (last month) as the temperatures began to drop.?I have had drop foot since 2012, and this will be the FIRST winter since before drop foot that I will be able to walk safely in my home wearing my choice of slippers, fuzzy socks, or a combination of both!
WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!
I still haven’t found anything that will completely solve my hyper-extended knee while also providing mobility.?I decided to prioritize mobility while getting some protection for my knee.
At the beginning of September I bought a Neo-G hinged brace. At first I was concerned that the “one size fits most” was a tad too big for me.?While not compromising the fit, there were gaps above and below the top and bottom straps.
But that is turning out to be a good thing!?The gap at the bottom of my knee brace?creates the perfect amount of space for the top part of my Sstep.?And now I’m wearing sweatpants to keep warm.
I have NEVER been able to wear sweatpants with a knee brace.?My custom knee braces were not very size adjustable and were made to be placed directly around my knee.?I was never able to pull up my sweatpants over these knee braces because of the bulk and the Velcro catching on the fabric.
Because the Neo-G brace has a more adjustable type fit, I am able to wear it OVER my sweatpants! ?Another first this winter! Being able to wear a knee brace AND sweatpants! Holy cow!!
WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!
These 2 braces are working out to be a perfect solution for me.?Getting around SAFELY and comfortably in my home wearing slippers and sweatpants is FINALLY possible! These 2 braces get along great!
AFO = ankle foot orthosis
KO = knee orthosis
KAFO = knee ankle foot orthosis
Elevate Movement is the company that makes the Sstep and Neo G is the company that makes the hinged knee brace.
Picture Descriptions:
The Sstep sock.?Yes, a soft comfortable SOCK that not only solves my drop foot, helps keep my balance, calms my nightly muscle spasms and overactive nerves, while still allowing my foot to move naturally.
A front view of my 2 braces. The Sstep sock is black and the knee brace is blue. I’m wearing a pair of black slip on shoes.?The bottom of the Neo-G brace makes a perfect fit over the top part of the Sstep.
A close up of the front view showing where the two braces meet.?The gap at the bottom of the knee brace is the perfect size to accommodate the top of the Sstep.
A close up of the side view showing the area where the 2 braces meet. Notice the hinges of the knee brace are surrounded by extra padded material.
A close up showing the top of my knee brace.?The gap is small, but works out because the extra room allows me to wear this brace over my sweatpants!
