We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, with no commitment to proceed with treatment.
How orthotics can help Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease patients
Bespoke orthotics for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease can help you achieve a more typical walking gait, which can:
- provide support, stability and balance
- reduce pain and fatigue
- improve your mobility
- prevent further long-term complications and deformities
- improve your comfort and independence
Every orthosis we create is entirely bespoke to each patient and designed to meet your specific treatment goals.
For those with high-arched feet or hammer toes, we can also prescribe specialist footwear.
Before and after results for Charcot-Marie-Tooth patient
Orthotic types
Early intervention with the right orthotic prescription can help preserve mobility and quality of life for people with CMT. Different orthotics can help in different ways, for example:
- Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs): prevent drop foot, improve stability, and reduce tripping risk
- custom insoles: provide arch support, correct weight distribution, and relieve pressure points
- supportive footwear: stabilise the ankle, accommodate foot deformities, and improve comfort
- Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses (KAFOs) (in severe cases): control knee hyperextension and improve walking efficiency
The best way to find out which orthosis is right for you is to book an appointment with one of our experienced clinicians. We can carry out a detailed assessment in our gait lab and work with you to achieve your personalised treatment goals.
Below, you’ll find more information about some of the more common types of orthotics we prescribe.
Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO)
A Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO) is a custom-made brace that supports the entire leg, spanning the knee, ankle, and foot. KAFOs are primarily prescribed for individuals with muscle-weakening conditions or paralysis caused by conditions like post-polio syndrome, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), stroke and spinal cord injury.
KAFOs help by:
- preventing excessive joint movement
- reducing joint pain
- controlling unstable joints
- improving alignment
Our bespoke KAFO service ensures every device is tailored to your specific needs and preferences, guided by our team’s expertise and the latest orthotic advancements.
We offer cutting-edge options that go beyond traditional fixed KAFOs with locking knee joints. While fixed systems provide stability, they can contribute to muscle atrophy, increased energy expenditure, and an unnatural gait.
To address these challenges, we provide modern, innovative solutions. For example, KAFOs that automatically lock and unlock at the appropriate points in the gait cycle, promoting a more natural and energy-efficient walk.
Custom orthotic footwear
Custom footwear is tailored to accommodate unique foot shapes and alignments. They offer better comfort, support, durability and are often used alongside other lower-limb orthotic devices like AFOs or SMOs.
At LOC, we’re committed to delivering high-quality footwear that meets both your clinical and aesthetic needs. We can provide a complete range of footwear, from simple, extra volume high street style shoes, to complex, bespoke orthopaedic and diabetic footwear.
Whether you need extra-depth shoes, modular modifications, or fully bespoke orthotics, our team will guide you through the process to find the best solution for you.
Bespoke orthotic insoles
Bespoke insoles are custom-designed orthotic devices tailored specifically to your feet to address individual foot shape, biomechanics, and any existing conditions.
Unlike over-the-counter insoles, bespoke insoles are created after a thorough biomechanics assessment using accurate scanning technology and clinical evaluation. This ensures you get a precise fit and effective treatment tailored to your specific goals. They provide a non-invasive solution for a range of foot and posture-related issues, offering comfort, support, and improved mobility.