I don’t have Peripheral Neuropathy any more, and our daughter who was hospitalized with horrible Neuropathy problems a couple of years ago, including foot drop, is doing much better now. You can read all about her problems resulting from Gastric Bypass Surgery, if this is of interest to you.
But when I read a new post on PLM today about this device called a WalkAide, I was excited by the possibilities!
One member on PLM is currently using it and has only good things to say about how it has improved her gait to a more natural one, and thus made her less likely to fall. She has written about it before and it didn’t register just how revolutionary this small device is, but today I decided to research it.
Someone else on PLM was advised to get this device, but their insurance would not cover it. Since it costs in the $5,000 range it’s understandable that she didn’t rush out and buy it on her own.
So what does the WalkAide do? It’s a small device that is strapped on just below the kneecap that senses the wearer’s foot movement and delivers the correct electrical signal (which the brain may or may not be sending correctly, but is not being received correctly) to the correct muscles to allow the foot to pick up the toes correctly as the foot lifts during walking.
Who can this WalkAide help? ANYONE with a Movement Disorder that causes the foot to drop down when it is lifted would be a possible candidate for this system!