Symptoms Update - Physio and Orthotics

In the last month I've been to see both my Neurophysiotherapist and my Orthotics team.

Orthotics

I decided to re-visit orthotics as someone observed that I'd had my insoles for a long time. I went to see the team and had new moulds made of my feet. A new pair of insoles was ready a couple of weeks later, and these are working well. I'm not spotting any difference from the previous ones. I have ordered a second set for my other pair of shoes.

It seems that I fall off the list if I dont see anyone for 2 years, so I'm planning to book an appointment within that time to keep insole replacement on a regular timing.

Whilst I was there we also talked about other aspects. I now have a second night splint, which makes it easier to commit to wearing these as I can wear both at the same time. Doing this allows me to sit working at home with both splits on, and get some additional muscle stretches.

I mentioned this to my neurophysiotherapist, who advised that to get the splits to stretch my calf muscles I'd need to get my knee straight. I havent yet worked out how to do this.

We also talked about my AFO. I havent been wearing that much, because it has been time consuming to take it on and off in conjunction with my insoles. I now have a couple of ankle supports which are cloth (and flexible). I'm wearing these for a few hours most days, and I will evaluate if I am noticing a change.

Neurophysiotherapy

Similarly to visiting the orthotics team, I also went to physiotherapy to review my stretching routine. There are big changes here. I am no longer doing the passive stretches that I was given. I now do a series of active stretches which also target balance and movement. I will get a set of pictures up for these over time.

I am noticing a difference with these new stretches, in that my balance is improving, and I am finding it easier to stand from sitting.

We also talked about mobility aids, and I've now started using walking poles. I think these are helping me. They are mostly there for balance, but they also allow me to concentrate on getting my heel down first when I walk. This was the biggest take-away from the physio - when walking make sure my heel strikes the ground first.

This is OK, but it also balances against speed of walking, so I have to concentrate on doing this. Further updates another time!