New Ankle Braces

Whitney had a visit with her physical therapist this week.  The first one of the new year.  It was time to get measured for some new ankle braces.  Whitney has worn her current pair of Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthotics (DAFOs) for over two years and they were getting way too small.

As part of the fitting, the therapist watched Whitney walk with and without her braces.  Whit is actually really improving in her ability to keep her ankles straight without as much help.  She can keep her right one a lot straighter then her left.  So we're going to try something new.  On her left foot, she'll still wear a traditional DAFO that is custom molded to give her the support she needs. But on her right foot, Whitney will begin wearing a Cascade JumpStart Leap Frog.  The JumpStart is not custom molded but still provides Whitney with plenty of support.  And it's quite a bit cheaper.  Which doesn't hurt our feelings.

As always, the therapist let Whit pick out the colors.  And even though Melanie encouraged her to try pink or purple, Whitney insisted on blue trim for her new braces, just like in the picture here.  So the left foot mold is off to manufacturing and we'll await a new pair of braces to help Whitney get around on her own two feet.

Then it'll be off to the shoe store to find those all important new shoes.  By the way, picking out shoes to go over DAFOs can be a bit of a challenge.  Reader, Angie, posted just this morning about using Saucony running shoes in a wide width for her daughter.  They're light and breathable and worth checking out.  Thanks for the tip!  I'll report back on what new kicks Whitney will be sporting once the braces arrive.