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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.

Brightly coloured Ankle foot orthoses

Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)

What makes ours different
  • 100% bespoke to your needs

    Every orthosis we make is completely designed to your needs and lifestyle. Everything from the materials, lining and function to the way it fits in your footwear. We design AFOs for every purpose; from rehabilitation post-surgery to horse riding and snowboarding.

  • Designed using 3D scanning

    We use our 3D scanning app to take an impression of patients’ feet and legs (no more plaster casting). Making it quicker, easier, more accurate and more comfortable for patients than traditional plaster casting.

  • Made with advanced orthotic technology

    We offer advanced AFO technologies like the Neuro Swing Ankle Joint and Neuro HiSwing, which provide adjustable resistance, range of motion, and alignment to support natural gait and muscle activation. These systems adapt as patients progress, improving mobility on uneven terrain and optimising rehabilitation outcomes.

  • Informed by gait lab analysis

    State-of-the-art gait laboratories capture and analyse the movement of the body during walking. This gives us a comprehensive evaluation of your gait pattern and mobility needs, allowing us to make, assess and fine-tune our AFOs to the highest standard.

  • Custom footwear and insoles advice

    Wearing the right footwear is essential for orthotics to work at their best. That’s why we always take your existing footwear into account and advise on the best shoes.

Book a free online consultation now
Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis in carbon fibre

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.

Read more about our Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFO)

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.

Learn more about our custom footwear

Bespoke insoles

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.

Learn more about our bespoke insoles

Patient Stories

View all patient stories
  • "When I first came to LOC, I don’t think I knew what was meant by 'bespoke' orthotic. Every element of the brace is tailored to my individual requirements, allowing me for the first time to enjoy my outdoor lifestyle without pain."
    View patient story
  • "[From the first consultation] is quite simply when you see the difference. Yes, you are paying for it, but my first appointment was two hours long! It was incredibly thorough, and I was put through my paces in the gait lab."
    View patient story

Get in touch for a free online consultation

We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, with no commitment to proceed with treatment.

020 8974 9989
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