SMO vs. AFO

[Barb]

I have felt for a long time now that C was overbraced considering that it his walking has significantly decreased after detethering. I talked to his PT about it and she agreed that it was probably time to reduce him from a knee afo down to an smo. Not because his functionality is increased but because of the opposite. The smo will be mainly to stop his ankle from rolling when he does take some steps. It feels wierd to reduce his bracing but I know there is no reason to keep him in those heavy and hot braces if he really isn't using them anymore. :o

[Hopelives]

That is good news. It may be hard though because of the strength required. My DD has an SMO on one foot but she is weaker in that foot than the foot that she wears the AFO on because it has less bracing. She is a lot younger though than C.

Was he in a KAFO or an AFO? My DD's SMO simply covers her foot and comes up on each side at her ankle.

PS-DD is Dear Daughter

[Barb]

Just an afo. Yesterday at PT she tried putting a simple knee brace on him~pretty much the ACE bandage type and it did keep his knee from collapsing in on him. We still don't have the new SMO's yet (darn insurance). I am really looking forward to getting them. BTW (by the way) have you seen all the cool new color overlays that they put on the braces. They came out a few years ago but we have had purple, guitars, star wars and these new ones should be neon green. Definetly helps with the 'cool factor' of them!

[Hopelives]

Yes, we have had teddy bears, butterflies, and other patterns. We use Shriner's--no waiting on insurance. It does not cost a thing. No income guidelines either. If there is one close to you, I would recommed it for the orthotics at the very least.

[Barb]

You are so lucky to be near a Shriners. The closest one for us is about a 6 hour drive. We are lucky that the insurance always pays and generally aren't awful about things. It is just such a pain to wait. We have been waiting three weeks now. The teddy bears and butterflys sound awesome. I think they make cuter ones for girls. Last time we were in there was a girl with Hello Kitty :)

[Barb]

We finally got these last Wednesday. I knew better than to try to let him wear them over the holiday weekend (been there, done that) so we put them on today and VIOLA, red spot appears! UGH! It is so frustrating. So, back tomorrow to have them filed down!

[kali]

certainly understanding about those tender spots...smile....glad he finally got them