Braces are available for legs, feet, and hands. The Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation states, “Braces are orthotic devices used to hold part of the body in the correct position to allow function and healing” (2014). Individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease use braces to support the compromised muscles to move from place to place independently. Braces are the most common evidence-based intervention for those who have CMT. Typically, individuals with CMT use braces for the legs, ankles, and feet. However, there are braces from the upper extremities such as the hands (Helios Leg Brace for CMT Patients, 2014). Ankle foot orthoses (AFO) can be custom-made, but also can be gotten off the shelf. Costume made braces are essentially a removable cast
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The most common prescribed brace is custom fit with a hinge at the ankle joint, which would be worn on uneven ground, stairs and when driving (Wahl, 2006). According to Jessica Laehn, Leg braces are sometimes accompanied with other devices to help with walking (personal communications, April, 2015). Jessica would wear her leg braces along with the help of a cane. Not only was she visually impaired the cane was able to provide more stability when walking and standing still. Along with wearing the braces high-top shoes also help provide additional support (Laehn, personal communications, April, 2015). In addition to braces, shoe inserts are another form of walking aid individuals with CMT use to promote mobility. Most individuals with CMT wear walking shoes such tennis shoe with a removable insole. There are different types of shoe inserts that can be used to support the individual and promote optimal positioning of the foot. For example, an individual that walks on the outsides (supination) or insides (pronation) of their feet, where a small pad can be placed on the bottom of the foot (Wahl, 2006). This is holding the foot in optimal alignment and less stress is placed on the
The most common prescribed brace is custom fit with a hinge at the ankle joint, which would be worn on uneven ground, stairs and when driving (Wahl, 2006). According to Jessica Laehn, Leg braces are sometimes accompanied with other devices to help with walking (personal communications, April, 2015). Jessica would wear her leg braces along with the help of a cane. Not only was she visually impaired the cane was able to provide more stability when walking and standing still. Along with wearing the braces high-top shoes also help provide additional support (Laehn, personal communications, April, 2015). In addition to braces, shoe inserts are another form of walking aid individuals with CMT use to promote mobility. Most individuals with CMT wear walking shoes such tennis shoe with a removable insole. There are different types of shoe inserts that can be used to support the individual and promote optimal positioning of the foot. For example, an individual that walks on the outsides (supination) or insides (pronation) of their feet, where a small pad can be placed on the bottom of the foot (Wahl, 2006). This is holding the foot in optimal alignment and less stress is placed on the