While I haven’t used all of the possible mobility aids out there, I have become familiar with several.
Foot Up – Device used to help counter foot drop. It’s pretty simple – you put one part of it into your shoe and the other part around your leg, and the two parts clip together. When you’re walking, the tension between the two pieces helps to lift up your toes, so you’re less likely to scuff your foot and stumble. When I was at an MS conference, I was asked a lot of questions by other participants who hadn’t seen the device and were curious.
Upside: Not expensive, easy to put on and take off by yourself
Downside: You’re stuck wearing shoes that tie all of the time (it doesn’t work with other types of shoes), and it only helps with minor foot drop issues.
Ankle Foot Orthotic (AFO) – My physical therapist recommended this to me when the Foot Up wasn’t giving my toes the needed lift. AFO’s are made of different materials and have a variety of shapes, depending on the need. Some are designed to keep your knee from locking when you try to walk, while others are more focused with lifting the toes to allow for improved walking form. Some are available off-the-shelf, while others require professional fitting to be tailored to your foot and ankle.
Upside: By making walking easier, an AFO can reduce the amount of energy required to walk. That gives you more energy for the rest of the things you want to get done during the day.
Downside: Cost. One of the first questions my physical therapist asked me when we talked was whether I had met my insurance deductible yet.
Cane – Several years ago, we realized that there were situations where I would need a cane. Hubby and I each had our ideas of what kind of cane to get. He had the wonderful idea that I should have a collapsible cane, so that I could carry it with me to use when needed. I just wanted a cool cane. I didn’t want it to look like some sterile medical device – I wanted one with personality.
I still remember the day my husband gave me the cane. He was nervous that I’d feel insulted that he bought me a cane for a present. When I saw the brightly colors paint swirls on the cane, I grinned and told him that he definitely delivered on the cool cane part.
Upside: Canes can be relatively inexpensive and can collapse so that it’s easier to keep it around when you need it. Can be used on stairs or any type of surface. (There are even ice picks you can get for the base of your cane if you’ll be walking on icy surfaces.)
Downside: It has limited effectiveness against foot drop and doesn’t make things that much easier when you’re fatigued. And if you have small children, they like to take your cane away and play with it.
Electric Conveyance Vehicle (ECV) – My family calls it the scooter. Some people use these on a regular basis, others use them as the occasion requires. I fall into the second category. When it’s grocery shopping day and I’m tired, I get in the scooter so that I can get everything I need without completely wearing myself out in the store. The scooter was a real lifesaver when we went to Disney. There was no way I would have been able to handle all of that walking around, and I would have missed out on way too much fun with my kids if I had tried to walk everywhere instead of scooting.
Upside: Saves your energy, allows you to go much greater distances than you could on your own power.
Downside: Expensive. Batteries die (like mine did in the middle of Epcot). Tough to maneuver in small spaces. And it’s easy to run into people, especially those folks who don’t realize that ECV’s can’t stop on a dime and try to dart in front of you without leaving room for you to stop. If you have small kids, they will always want to honk the horn, even when it’s not in use.
I know there are a lot more devices out there, but these are the ones with which I have (or will soon have) experience with myself. I’m interested in hearing about other folks’ experiences.
