KAFO

Wibbles
Wibbles Community member Posts: 1,986 Trailblazing
edited July 23 in Housing and independent living
What do you wear under your full length KAFO ?
According to what I read - Socks, Stockings or Tights ?

Plus - what shoes ?
I have been told "one size larger on the affected leg" ?
I have been advised "velcro strap" Training Shoes with removeable insole
But will the un-affected foot not be extremely loose fit in the other shoe ?

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Comments

  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,443 Championing
    Hi @Wibbles :) 

    I don't have any personal experience of KAFOs, but I'm wondering whether this blog post from Chloe on finding the right shoes for AFOs could be of help? 
  • Wheezy
    Wheezy Community member Posts: 18 Connected
    Hi @Wibbles,

    I currently wear an AFO, and have been fitted for a KAFO which I will be using in the next few weeks.

    I was told that it was my choice of what to wear beneath it, but I'll probably go with tights (thicker ones, maybe 120 denier).

    As for footwear, my current AFO fits fine inside a laced up shoe in my usual size. I tend to find that it's the width that's the issue, rather than the length. 
  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Community member Posts: 1,986 Trailblazing
    I'm male though
    Tights ?
  • Wheezy
    Wheezy Community member Posts: 18 Connected
    Wibbles said:
    I'm male though
    Tights ?
    Fair enough 🤣 My orthotist said that as long as you have something between the brace and your skin. Some use a knee length sock for the lower part and a piece of tubigrip for the thigh part. That might work for you?

    He also said that despite the advice, some people just don't follow the guidance. I wouldn't recommend that, though, especially if you'll be wearing it full time and/or have sensory issues.
  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Community member Posts: 1,986 Trailblazing
    Wheezy said:
    Hi @Wibbles,

    I currently wear an AFO, and have been fitted for a KAFO which I will be using in the next few weeks.

    I was told that it was my choice of what to wear beneath it, but I'll probably go with tights (thicker ones, maybe 120 denier).

    As for footwear, my current AFO fits fine inside a laced up shoe in my usual size. I tend to find that it's the width that's the issue, rather than the length. 

    Thanks for the advice
    I have been told to attend a "fitting clinic" with velcro training shoes with removable soles - one size larger than my regular size !
    I may go for a single stocking rather than tights - when the weather is warmer - it will look odd with tights on and shorts !
  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Community member Posts: 1,986 Trailblazing
    I bought a new pair of trainers - at the weekend - a size larger than normal
    Hopefully the foot plate of the KAFO will fit inside it
    I still have no tights/stockings/socks and await a fitting tomorrow
  • Libby_Alumni
    Libby_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 1,247 Empowering
    That's great that you bought some trainers over the weekend @Wibbles - are you happy with the purchase? 

    I hope the fitting goes well tomorrow and please do keep us updated as I'm sure our members will want to hear how it's gone for you :)
  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Community member Posts: 1,986 Trailblazing
    edited March 2022
    I walked yesterday - relatively painlessly for the first time in 10 years! 
  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,538 Championing
    That must be a great feeling @Wibbles I'm pleased to hear it was pain free :)
  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Community member Posts: 1,986 Trailblazing
    It was an incredible feeling - I'm never going to run a marathon - but at least I am not going to be stuck in a chair for the rest of my life !
  • Justcheckingin15
    Justcheckingin15 Community member Posts: 364 Empowering
    @Wibbles..Great to hear.👏
  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Community member Posts: 1,986 Trailblazing
    I bought some, over the knee TOE SOCKS to make wearing my knee brace more comfortable / embarrasing - at the moment, with no socks, I am getting rubbing and bleeding 
    They are much cheaper than the usually recommended sensory smart store @ £22.95 EACH !


  • Biblioklept
    Biblioklept Community member Posts: 5,194 Championing
    Rubbing and bleeding sounds horrible!! So glad the socks help @Wibbles <3
    I couldn't wear toe socks, I really hate socks at the best of times and my feet are too sensitive but they look very good. Love the stripes
  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Community member Posts: 1,986 Trailblazing
    edited January 2023
    I am unable to put on the full length KAFO without any help so its basically redundant !
    It took a good 5 years to even obtain it - so I don't want to appear ungrateful but it is unsuitable for me
    Also - it is much too heavy and is destroying my left hip because of its awkwardness and cumbersomeness
    Also - it kills my back when trying to use it.
    I am going to have to ask for an alternative such as STANCE CONTROL https://www.buchanan-clinic.co.uk/blog/c_brace
    These reportedly cost over £40k in 2016 but have dropped considerably since then
    But will NHS fork out for this ?
    This is going to outlive me !
    Any advice please ?


  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Community member Posts: 1,986 Trailblazing
    The c-brace is £60,000 +
    How ridiculous
    I bet the NHS won't pay this much? 
  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,443 Championing
    Crikey, that's a lot of money @wibbles! 
  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Community member Posts: 1,986 Trailblazing
    Tori_Scope said:
    Crikey, that's a lot of money @wibbles! 

    Its a silly amount of money - I wonder how many have been paid for by NHS ?
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing
    Wibbles said:
    The c-brace is £60,000 +
    How ridiculous
    I bet the NHS won't pay this much? 
    Then I think your chances are slim to none.
  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Community member Posts: 1,986 Trailblazing
    poppy123456 said:
    Wibbles said:
    The c-brace is £60,000 +
    How ridiculous
    I bet the NHS won't pay this much? 
    Then I think your chances are slim to none.
    It's got to be worth trying though 
    Nothing to lose 
  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Community member Posts: 1,986 Trailblazing
    Anyone following my issues may be interested to learn that on Tuesday - I made a visit to ORTHOTICS - Where I had a plastercast made of my left leg and accurate measurements were taken - for a private company to make me a replacement super strong/super lightweight - KAFO - made from carbon fibre.......... Ready in 2 months !!!

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