What do you think of when you hear western North Carolina?
Some people will picture thousands of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. They will imagine how beautiful and exhilarating it is to zip through the trees on a bike or climb to the top of the summit in the backcountry.
Others will imagine the clear, cold rivers and creeks that crisscross the region. Whether you prefer wading into a swimming hole, floating on a tube, or plunging down the rapids in a raft, there is plenty of water in our part of the state.
Still, others think about the city of Asheville, a center for culture, world-class food, amazing art, and incredible entertainment.
If you are struggling with foot drop, however, you may be thinking more about how challenging it is to navigate our difficult terrain. Orthopedic Appliance Company is here to help.
You may notice that raising the front half of your foot is difficult or that it drags on the ground as you walk. This is referred to as "foot drop." It may resolve itself at times, and your life - and your stride - will return to normal. It could potentially be a long-term issue.
You know how aggravating foot drop can be if you live with it. It is tough to elevate the front half of your foot in this state.
As a result, it may drag on the ground, or you may compensate by raising your thigh as if walking upward. This puts additional strain on your other joints and muscles. Foot drop can be a sign of underlying medical problems including ALS, muscular dystrophy, brain or spinal injury, or nerve damage.
While treating drop foot and regaining your gait might be difficult in and of itself, there are actions you can take.
The WalkAide is a functional electrical stimulation (FES) device that helps people with dorsiflexor weakness or paralysis by stimulating the peroneal nerve at the correct time throughout the gait cycle to elevate the forefoot, guaranteeing proper ground clearance and heel-to-toe rollover.
The gait becomes more natural, smoother, safer, and energy-efficient as a result.
By recreating the natural nerve-to-muscle response, the WalkAide not only corrects biomechanical dysfunction but also improves circulation, decreases atrophy, and enhances joint range of motion.
If you need an FES device like WalkAide, we are here to help. We will work with your doctors and rehabilitation team to make sure an FES device is right for you.
We have sixty years of experience providing the highest quality orthopedic devices for the people of western North Carolina. We would love to help you get on the road of improved motion and overcoming foot drop.
Contact us for more information about how WalkAide can help improve your foot drop, so you can enjoy everything that makes our area special.