AZafo

The brace will not cure a flat foot, but may reduce the symptoms enabling you to function better and slow down or maybe halt the progression of the condition. I found that the arizona style brace was fairly comfortable when broken in according to the doctors instructions. I was able to wear it in sneakers. I had to go up 1/2 size and go with a wider width than usual. Unfortunately, in my case, I still had to go on to have flat foot reconstruction

 

Thank you for the reply. How long did you wear your AZafo before deciding that you had to go ahead with surgery? I know that every foot is different, and every surgery different, but were you happy with your surgical outcome? Can you walk without pain? Was the surgery itself very painful? How long did you have to wear a cast and be non weight-bearing? Pardon me for all these questions, but I am afraid that my future also includes surgery, and anyone who has gone through it, and can put my mind at rest with some of these questions would be so welcome! Of course I will be asking my doctor, but he is reluctant to discuss surgery in any detail until I try the AZ brace. But there are so many things wrong with my foot that I am afraid that a brace will not address them all. If you have the time, I would like to hear about your surgery, recovery, rehab, and results. Thanks so much.

 

I had the afo for about 2 months. At first, I could see some arch when sitting but when the arch completely collapsed and my ankle bone was obviously turning towards the floor, I went back to the doctor. A new MRI showed that the PTT and spring ligament had significant damage. I am only 10 weeks post op so it is to soon to say what the outcome is. Eight weeks non weight bearing is definitely difficult. Today, I graduated to 60lbs weight on the surgical foot wearing the boot and using the walker. It definitely makes things a LOT easier. Next week, I will graduate to full weight bearing in the boot for short periods of time. I was in the hospital 3 nights post op. In the hospital, I was on a machine that went into the IV. I was able to control the pain meds that I received. In addition, if needed, the nurse gave me oral meds. There was also a tube with pain meds behind the knee. I was uncomfortable but the pain was managable. For the first 5 days at home, I took the maximum dose of rx pain meds. Within 2 weeks post op, I was off all pain meds. Now, I get occasional twinges but all in all discomfort is quite manageable. Of course, your experience may be different than mine depending on the proceedures done, your doctors protocol and your pain tolerance.

It sounds as if you are unsure about what to do. The surgery is definitely a major one. As with any surgery, I would strongly suggest getting two to three opinions before having any surgical proceedures

 

Dear whomever: Thanks for taking the time to write back: it sounds as if you are wearing the AZafo post-op, as well as pre-op. If that is the case, I won't feel like I've spent a ton of money for nothing if I have to have surgery anyway, and I may be able to use the boot post-op. Ten weeks non-weight-bearing does sound like a major hurdle. I don't think I have the upper body strength for crutches anymore, but I have heard of something called a knee-walker, which sounds a lot easier to use than crutches. Good luck on your surgical outcome, let us know how it comes out for you. I have gotten several opinions, they take one look at it and say it's a "surgical foot". Thank goodness the doctor I'm going to comes highly regarded, and is known for exhausting all conservative measures before considering surgery. Unfortunately, he is an hour and a half away, but I'd fly somewhere to get the best surgical outcome possible.

Take care, follow your instructions to the letter, and best wishes for a good outcome on your surgery.

 

I am not wearing the afo post op. For the first 2 weeks, I was in in semi rigid splint and then in a hard cast for about 6 weeks. Now, I am in a high camwalker, partial weight bearing any time my foot is on the floor. In about two weeks, I will be able to start full weight bearing IN THE BOOT. Initially, I will be allowed to do full weight bearing for a few minutes at a time and gradually work up to longer periods of time. The long term plan is for the surgery to correct the problem and me not having to wear the afo again. I will most likely require orthotics (for the non surgical foot). I do not have to wear the camwalker when I sleep, but if I go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, I have to put the boot back on or do the NWB bit again.

It sounds as if you need a list of questions and some time to sit down to discuss all of the questions with your doctor. You may need a different combination of surgeries than I do. His treatment and protocol may be very different than mine was. Honestly, my first surgery a year ago, was an ablsolute waste of my time. If I had a chrystal ball, I would have just bitten the bullet and undergone the more extensive flat foot reconstruction then. Two doctors suggested the less invasive surgery and one the more extensive surgery.

 

Thanks again, Unregistered Guest, for your answers to my questions. I haven't discussed any surgery with my Dr. yet, as he likes to try all non-invasive options before resorting to surgery. Plus, I didn't see how it was possible, both due to my other physical problems, and the layout of our house. Now that I've read about others having many of the same foot/ankle problems, and their surgeries, I am allowing myself to at least entertain the option of a future surgery. Knowledge is power, and all that. I haven't had any MRI's or any other tests other than a very basic foot X-ray, so I don't really know what condition my tendons are in.

I do have a list of questions for the Dr., many based on what I've read here and on other boards; studied up on foot anatomy, etc. But, again, for now I will try to work with the boot option and see how it goes...Good luck as you start your weight bearing, and down the road as you progress. Keep us posted.