CIONIC's Neural Sleeve 2 electrical stimulation safely lessens foot drop with its bionic clothing. The Motor stimulation activates muscle movement while the sensory stimulation relaxes muscle spasms. This technology improves dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, and eversion, as well as knee flexion and extension to support your body through a full gait cycle. Its synchronized stimulation works for every activity - walking, climbing stairs, sitting, standing, and transitions for all day wear. I am pleased with it's ability to stimulate my hamstring, quadricep, calf, and shin muscles so that I don't need to think about lifting my foot higher - it does it for me! One sleeve is $300 down payment & $275 monthly. Use referral code CGFF for $100 off your down payment.
Cadence makes the only shoes created to minimize foot drop. The sole has a nuanced design. The rocker bottom shifts naturally from sliding to gripping as you walk. When your weight moves forward it provides gentle support for a steady step and requires less conscious effort while walking. They are easy to put on and take off with one handed closure. Cadence has an adaptive glide to grip sole. Low friction outer sides are a ultra low density foam made without lugs for smoother walking and low friction allowing you to glide over trip hazards. The high friction inner rubber tread grips for pushing off. So, you have strong traction when you need it. This design helps reduce toe catching. Cadense takes some practice getting used to - and has proven successful at lessening foot drop accidents. $200
Ankle Foot Orthotic (AFO) Options
Here are some helpful considerations for your discussion with your neurologist or orthotist about a personalized AFO. You may learn from my mistake — foot orthotics are not the right solution for everyone with HSP, as I discovered firsthand. This guide outlines how AFOs may help with foot drop, so come prepared with plenty of questions to avoid the same pitfalls I encountered. If an AFO is the right fit for you, getting the sizing and alignment just right will be essential for both comfort and overall body mechanics. Keep in mind that your orthotic may also need adjustments over time as your gait evolves.
AFOs may help by:
Maintaining a plantigrade foot position (foot flat at heel strike)
Improving toe clearance during swing phase
Reducing energy cost of walking
Improving stability and balance, which can indirectly lessen spasticity effects during gait
Carbon fiber posterior light weight material can release energy during gait. It may also increase spasticity.
Solid ankle molded foot orthosis
Articulating molded ankle foot orthosis
Double upright ankle foot orthosis- less abrasive on skin
This device helps hold the foot up to stretch the calf muscle & lessen drop foot. Use this to stretch your foot at night, after wearing an AFO during the day. Range of motion 50º plantarflexion to 40º dorsiflexion.
This could be worn at nighttime after stretching in the Dynasplint.
Shoes
Hoka's rocker bottom redistributes pressure across the foot and assists the transition from mid-stance to toe-off. It allows the shoe to do part of the work of pushing the body forward. The thick EVA cushioning reduces stress on the feet, knees, hips, and lower back.The wide heel adds stability for those with a high-arched foot (cavus foot). Vibram soles combine durability, traction, and stability better than standard rubber soles. Once I experienced the comfort and support of HOKA, it made me not want to go back to other shoes.
Zebra's hinge heel is the easiest accessible shoe that is hands free - your foot just slides in. You only need to tie them once. Then you don't need to bend down again to put them on. They won't come off on their own as they take a conscious effort to take them off. It can be done hands free.
Friendly's are designed for comfort, function, and stye. Their outsoles promote safer mobility and independence for all. They are fashionable, comfortable, and a breeze to put on with the side zipper.
Compression Socks
Regular compression socks may be expensive and difficult to get on/off. You may try using an ace bandage with velcro on the ends for compression. Or, these zipper compression socks could do the trick. Some say these compression zipper socks are easy to use and provide relief.