Health and Fitness ? Foot Drop Due to Multiple Sclerosis (MS ...

Do you suffer from foot drop that was caused by Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

1.) Introduction

This article will touch upon predicted outcomes for individuals with MS. Moreover, we will discuss who will likely have the best outlook when it comes to this condition. Disability, discomfort and returning to near normal function after attacks is also discussed. This article also reviews MS and foot drop.

Foot drop is a side effect that some individuals sustain as a result of multiple sclerosis. This walking condition can become a real problem for people that need to walk. A person with foot drop due to MS, will usually drag their toes and have higher incidents of falling because of this condition. Walking speed will also decrease as a result of this gait deviation. Obviously, this is a problem for many people, but having foot drop does not mean the individual is out of options that can help them walk better again.

This free health information can help you if you suffer from foot drop.

2.) Predicted Outcomes For Patient?s With Multiple Sclerosis

The outcome for this condition varies. It is also hard to predict outcomes for this disease, because people have different involvement with MS. It is interesting to note that although this disorder is chronic and currently incurable, the life expectancy for patient?s with MS can be normal (or close to normal). Most people with MS can continue to ambulate and function at work with some level of disability for 20 years or more.

Of the individuals that have MS, some individuals seem to have a better outlook than others. The following information speaks upon who will typically have the best outlook:

A.) Females

B.) People who are thirty years or old less when the disease starts.

C.) Individuals that have attacks that are infrequent.

D.) Individuals that have a relapsing-remitting pattern of the disease.

E.) People that have limited disease on imaging studies.

3.) Disability and Discomfort

The amount of disability and discomfort that an individual incurs depends on certain factors. For example, the amount of disability and discomfort depends on how often people have attacks and how severe they are. In addition, it is also important to note that the amount of disability and discomfort will depend on which part of the central nervous system (CNS) is affected by each attack.

4.) Returning to Normal (or Near Normal Function)

In between attacks, most individuals can return to normal, or a near normal function. In between each attack, there is also an issue of return of function. What this means is that slowly there is a greater loss of function with less improvement between each successive attack. As time passes, individuals may need a wheel chair or assistive devices to get around.

5.) Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Nerves in any part of an individuals brain or spinal cord may be damaged. The result of this damage can include having Multiple Sclerosis. MS can cause symptoms Patients may have symptoms in many parts of the body as a result of MS. Some of these symptoms may include:

?Loss of balance

?Muscle Spasms

?Numbness

?Reduced range of motion arms or legs, which can cause walking problems, such as foot drop

?Problems with overall coordination

?Tremors in the extremities (any arm or leg)

?Weakness in the extremities

6.) What Medical Devices Are Available For People With Foot Drop?

The use of an AFO or WalkAide can be an incredible help to people with foot drop, due to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These two medical products are different in design, but each can help a person walk better.

A.) Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO): These are special braces, that are usually made of plastic, that can help support someone while they walk. It is best to obtain one of these supports from your local, licensed orthotist. These individuals are brace specialists and can either provide you with a custom or prefabricated orthosis (brace). Each can fit into most people?s shoes and can not only help you keep your foot up when you walk, but can also provide side to side support at the ankle and indirect support to an individual?s knee. This can be extremely important for people who suffer from instability or weakness below their knees.

B.) The WalkAide

This is a new FDA approved device that is getting a lot of attention in the medical field. This device can provide electrical stimulation which in turn can help activate muscles to lift your foot better when you walk. Although it is an effective medical device, not everyone is a candidate for the WalkAide, to determine your eligibility, it is important to work with a local, licensed orthotist to get see if you can benefit from this type of device.

Note: This is health information, not medical advice. Medical advice on bracing or the use of the WalkAide, should be provided to you by your local orthotist. Medically credentialed professionals, other than orthotists may also be able to advise you on the use of this device, who have been approved by WalkAide.

Orthopedic Braces & More Free Information

For more easy to understand information about on orthopedic braces, visit us online today at?http://www.orthopedic-braces.com. Pictures of different braces and the remainder of this free information will be found on our site.

We also provide orthotic treatment / orthopedic braces to patients in Chicagoland and its suburbs. Feel free to contact us about your brace needs.

Source: http://medicaltips.biz/2011/09/02/foot-drop-due-to-multiple-sclerosis-ms-treatment-options-the-walkaide-and-afos/

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