Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)

[pippaandben]

Has anyone any experience of this? I now have (left) drop foot as a result of my spinal surgery which means I have little upward movement of my ankle thus causing me to catch the ball of my foot on the pavement or any small bumps. I can push downwards but not up and the top only of my foot is numb plus it seems to take longer to register if there is pressure on my toes so I don't notice until I see the blood!!

I have been referred to the above clinic at the National Hospital for neurology and neurosurgery. It involves wearing a radio control on my waist and electrodes on my lower leg which will trigger the appropriate nerve to fire as my heel leaves the ground to raise my ankle and thus toes so I can make a proper step. It is used for MS patients and others having this neurological damage.

I did ask if my diabetes could have been an aggravating cause but was just told diabetic neurology is just one form that can create this same symptom. My husband has suggested more appropriate footwear might be Doc Martins but the weight of them might mean losing the little movement I do have!!!🙄

 

[Marsbartoastie]

I agree with your husband. I have several pairs of Docs (both boots and shoes) which I wear a lot during the winter and they're no longer the heavy footwear they once were. They're also extremely 'on trend'...so you won't have to sacrifice style for functionality. Don't get me wrong...I like heels as much as the next woman when I'm wearing a skirt or a dress, but as I work in a very relaxed office and commute by bike it's jeans and flats most days. As an alternative you could try a pair of Asics. They're a bit pricey, but give amazing cushioning and support. In addition, they're as light as air.

 

[grovesy]

Sorry to hear this. Have you tried a pair of Doc Martin's on? I know where you are coming from I have arthritis in one knee and can't wear wellies and some walking boots are too heavy?

 

[HOBIE]

I used to love my DM s. Very comfortable. I am an electrician & quite often get a belt 😱 (don't do it kids ). I always feel better after I have had one . Gets you heart going I know.

 

[Pigeon]

I did my MSc project on FES for foot drop! Fascinating stuff. They do a lot of it in Salisbury for stroke and MS patients, I spent a week there once. I got the impression it worked very well for some people. I have tried it myself and it is a little uncomfortable at first, a bit like a TENS machine sensation, but you soon get used to it. They can adjust the timing and amplitude of the electrical signal to cause the right amount of foot lift as you step. The system they used in Salisbury has a switch under your heel and so when your foot lifts off the ground the stimulation turns on and causes the muscle at the front of your shin to contract, lifting your foot. I think it takes a bit of getting used to, but some patients had been using it successfully for years. At the time I studied there (2003) not many places did it, so some people had come from all over the south to the clinic there. Hope it goes well for you, best of luck!

 

[pippaandben]

I did my MSc project on FES for foot drop! Fascinating stuff.

I am hoping the use of it will lead to some return of function in this nerve. Obviously something that MS patients cannot hope for. Did your research show this up?
My appointment isn't until November 8 - had to delay it 2 weeks due to cataract op which in itself had to be delayed 3 weeks due to holiday!! Marvelous how everything comes at once! At least my scan appt is the week before we go on holiday

 

[Pigeon]

I wasn't really looking at that, my project was specifically looking at how to position the electrodes for the best response. This was the stimulator I saw: http://www.odstockmedical.com/ they developed it themsleves in Salisbury. You could try searching for evidence of it being used for your type of case. Either way, it looks from the testimonials like it can make a big difference to people's walking.

 

[pippaandben]

I wasn't really looking at that, my project was specifically looking at how to position the electrodes for the best response. This was the stimulator I saw: http://www.odstockmedical.com/ they developed it themsleves in Salisbury. You could try searching for evidence of it being used for your type of case. Either way, it looks from the testimonials like it can make a big difference to people's walking.

Thanks for the link pigeon - I have sent for the pamphlet and dvd. So far am learning as much as I can and making a list of questions. A bit like when you start out on the diabetes journey!!