TurboMed XTERN, a new walking aid for people with foot drop which is attached to the outside of the shoe. It can be easily attached to the shoes with a special clip. Since the only place that it touches the body is the lower leg of the cuff, there is no discomfort on the sole and no risk of skin damage from friction. There is no weight restriction and it supports a wide range of situations from daily life to sports activities.
 
This time, we interviewed Ms. Ihara, a TurboMed XTERN user.

【Ms. Ihara's Profile】
　Occupation：Homeworker
　Disease：Peroneal nerve palsy due to lumbar herniation

I always love sports and I used to do Marathon running and cycling. In August 2022, I had my third lumbar herniation. At the time, I thought it would be okay even though it was my third time and I felt a little pain. But when I was running a Marathon, I felt that it was difficult to put force into my toes and my slippers would fall off naturally even at home. So I thought, "something's wrong" and I went to the hospital to get checked. Then I found out that the lumbar herniation was compressing the peroneal nerve and causing foot drop. Since I couldn't lift my toes, I was prescribed a brace called Ortop AFO and used it in combination with commercially available shoes. It was functional enough for walking, but there were only a limited number of shoes that can be worn with Ortop AFO. I also didn't like the design of rehabilitation shoes that I could wear. So I was looking for something else.

I thought that if I wear brace, my toes will be lifted and I will be able to run! But when I ran a Marathon, the braces were damaged. I consulted a prosthetist, but he said braces are only for daily life and that it will be difficult to run or play strenuous sports.

I thought I won't be able to play sports if I continue like this, so I searched on Internet with the keywords such as "marathon," "braces," and "foot drop" to see if there was any solution and then I found TurboMed braces. I saw the photos of people climbing mountains and videos of people running on the website. Then I thought I can play sports with this. So I immediately called the Kawamura Gishi, which sells TurboMed braces.

When I tried them on, I felt like I could lift my toes and feel secure that I wouldn't fall. I was so happy that I ran a little on the spot even though I was just trying them on. Since they are attached to the outside of the shoe, I heard that they can also be attached to the sneakers I've been wearing. So I thought, this is it! and immediately decided to buy that.

 

Comparison of walking with and without TurboMed XTERN

TurboMed XTERN Fitting

The biggest thing about finding TurboMed XTERN is that I can now play sports. TurboMed XTERN provides firm support when I run, so I feel safe. Now I walk every morning and once a month I enjoy playing badminton with my family at a nearby gym.

By exercising, I have also gained muscle strength. When I first affected by foot drop, I would have to lift my foot and be conscious of it before walking without the brace, otherwise I would fall over. But now I can walk at home without the brace without any problems.

Another thing I like about TurboMed XTERN is that I can choose my shoes. With normal braces, you have to wear them inside your shoes, so there were very few shoe options. The shoes would rub against the plastic and get worn out quickly. However, TurboMed XTERN is attached to the outside of the shoe, so it doesn't wear out as much and you can attach it to the shoes you've been using. So if you care about the design of your shoes, I think TurboMed XTERN is definitely the best choice.

When I developed foot drop, I was pessimistic that I would no longer be able to play sports, but I was very lucky to found TurboMed XTERN.

This time we interviewed Mr. Ihara, who is enjoying sports again using TurboMed XTERN. We are very happy to hear that she is enjoying sports and didn't give up.

We will work even harder to deliver Turbomed XTERN to those who are suffering from foot drop and walking difficulties.

#turbomed #ターボメド　

*Images are taken from the TurboMed Orthotics Inc.