Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with brands mentioned in the post. Nor, have I been paid, received compensation, or any free products. I am sharing this for educational purposes only. Nor is this an endorsement of stated products.
A few years ago, I started a series of posts to share about my experiences with braces. Here is a link to the first post, Charcot-Marie-Tooth: My Journey to Using Arizona Braces. With a busier than planned schedule, I didn’t continue the series until recently. Here is part 2 at Charcot-Marie-Tooth: My Journey to Using Arizona Braces, Part Two. You will want to read the posts in the order posted.
I wore the Asolo hiking boots for quite a while. When a pair wore out, they were immediately replaced. However, the product’s sturdiness, despite the deformities in my feet, lasted longer than other products. These boots supported my ankles and feet as they were designed for the rough hiking terrains. As I retired, I no longer needed to worry about keeping them perfectly spiffy for the office. Also, I wore Crocs to church on Sunday mornings since I would not be walking very much. It gave the feet and legs a break.
However, after a while, the pain in my legs and feet after spending nearly the entire day working in my garden, doing other chores around the house, and walking my dog between two-three ½ miles became quite unbearable. I tried to get myself to relax by taking off my shoes and socks, letting them rest, and staying off of them. Eventually, the pain would settle down. However, going to bed was a different story entirely. Since I sleep on my back, the calves of my legs would scream in aching, painful discomfort. I had to get comfortable, so I would roll to one side or the other, trying to do so. However, sleeping on my side isn’t a favorite for me. Once the discomfort settled, I could lay on my back again.
As the challenges grew more painful, I decided that I had to do something. Since it had been years since I had braces and worked with a brace doctor, I did an internet search to find someone to help. Also, I absolutely did not want the plastic braces that uncomfortably gripped my legs. It was an easy search to find an Orthopedic Center near me. I discussed visiting their office with my primary care doctor, who gave them the highest praise. That gave me the confidence I needed to check them at least out.
Before the appointment, I gave considerable thought to having surgery to straighten my feet. I prayed about it, as this was a serious move for me. I read articles about the procedures, which indicated that they had been improved with patients having better outcomes. So, I made an appointment with the doctor.
Upon arriving at my appointment, I was surprised by the doctor’s calm, gentle, and humorous demeanor. This made me relax quite a bit. I felt like he was genuinely interested in me and my health. As we discussed the surgery, after a few tests about ability and x-rays, he shared with me that after surgery, I would need to have six months of physical therapy to get the foot stronger. Also, getting used to walking with a somewhat normal foot would be a challenge since I cannot remember ever having one to start with. It would be time to do the same procedure on the other foot when it was strong enough. However, since I am still walking, I decided that I would wait on the surgery until I am unable to walk if that happens. Also, I had not gotten a clear answer to my prayers to go forward with it.
After some discussion about the uncomfortableness of the plastic braces and my interest in something to support my ankles but not too far up the legs, the specialist decided an Arizona Brace would be my best solution. Why? I didn’t want anything like the plastic ones I had before. They were too uncomfortable and clunky. Also, these looked to give me the support and comfort I needed.
After I finished with the doctor, I met with a Physical Therapist who discussed the concept of the Arizona Brace. One issue for me was that there would be no hinge at the ankle, which I thought would make mobility more challenging. My mother had braces with no hinge, which made walking more challenging. Since I am determined to keep going, I discussed this issue with her. She answered all my questions, confirming my doubts would be worked out.
At this point, the physical therapist took me to a laboratory in the office. She molded my legs from just above the ankles to the feet, much like a cast. Also, I got to pick the color I wanted on the outside of the brace. Since I like a colorful life, I chose blue, not skin color. I would pick them up within a few weeks.
The weeks passed by quickly, and I was at the doctor’s office picking up my new Arizona Braces! I was happy as I saw them as opening the door to remain as active as I wanted to be and possibly even more so. When I arrived, I was taken to the Physical Therapist’s office and shown how to put them on, lace them up, and tie them. She clearly told me, “Be careful when you stand up. Once you get used to standing, you can try walking down the hallway. However, BE CAREFUL! Go slow. This is not a race!” Of course, I, unintentionally got up to walk and went quickly down the hall like it was a race. The Physical Therapist had a hard time keeping up with me. She said, “SLOW DOWN! BE CAREFUL! SLOW DOWN!” So, I was off and running, so to speak.
I have to admit, I was surprised at how comfortable the new braces felt against my legs and feet. Of course, there was some time to get used to wearing them, much like when you buy a new pair of shoes. These braces required that I wear them for a few hours a day gradually building up to a full day. I learned to walk again. I learned how to walk my dog again. The list could go on and on.
I think the most challenging part of all of this was not to get discouraged or frustrated. After all, most guys put on a pair of socks and their shoes, then go about their day. I put socks on, put the braces on, and tie the braces tight, followed by my shoes. The shoes were a new brand to me, Hoka One Ones. They were, and still are, the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. Also, I think God gave me a gift that day as the shoes were very colorfully designed, which cheered me up.
To this day, I wear my Arizona Braces every time I walk more than a half-mile. I wear a pair of Hokas when I am not walking a long distance, such as from the house to the car, from the car to the church, or to the restaurant. The braces have given me more strength and ability as they support the weakness in my ankles and feet. Much like God promised me years ago, He would be my strength and ability.