We see a lot of patients that feel disheartened from being told that the only way they could walk without their foot drop or weakness getting in the way was by wearing a rigid, clunky brace.

It’s more than just its size and weight –

It’s being drastically limited in the kinds of shoes they can wear… to ones they often don’t feel your best in.

It makes it difficult to hide the brace… leaving it as the centre of attention.

It leaves marks and indents in their ankles… and the discomfort that comes with them.

It doesn’t give them much control over the level of support they need… it’s the same brace that presumes every foot is the same, even if their needs and circumstances are unique and different.

And then there’s the rehab exercises they’ve been told that they must fit in every day, often several times a day, if they want to “get the best results”. Wasn’t that the point of the big clunky brace? ?‍♀️ it leaves them feeling like they’re being set up to fail.

So they try everything to make the brace less obvious, more comfortable, and to help maximise how it works. But still, nothing has done the trick. They’re still not wearing the clothes they really want because it doesn’t fit in with the brace. They still don’t feel super comfortable. And they’re still left in the same old shoes, day after day. With weak feet and ankles. In a clunky brace. Which doesn’t support them as well as they feel it could. 

At Masterton Foot Clinic, we get it. Just because big, chunky braces are the only option available, doesn’t mean it’s the right one. While months ago, we may have told you to try it… now we say absolutely no way. Because the EXO-L UP brace for foot drop has changed the game – and the lives of our patients.

 

The EXO-L UP brace

The EXO-L UP is a world-first brace that works brilliantly to keep the foot cleared from the ground while giving back stability and balance. But more than that… it’s discreet, streamlined and adjustable.

So you can wear it with sandals. And the canvas shoes you love. And the light, comfy sneakers you love.

… we’ve yet to come across a normal shoe we can’t use it with.

We recently prescribed the brace to a young lawyer who was involved in an unfortunate sports accident. Going between her office and court daily, she’d been struggling to manage the walk. And struggling with her confidence. And with her image. After travelling over an hour to see us in Masterton, we took a 3D scan of her foot and ankle, completed a comprehensive assessment, took into account her individual circumstances and preferences, and prescribed a custom EXO-L UP brace just for her unique foot.

Just minutes after putting it on, she told us… “It’s not hot or rigid, I feel like I’m just wearing a regular shoe!”.

The brace fits discreetly beneath her pant legs with no noticeable bulk, so no one at work or court even knows she’s wearing it. Her balance has improved. Her confidence has improved. It’s easier to keep up with her friends when walking – and how she’d forgotten how much she loved going on those long walks without worrying about tripping.

 

Have you been told that a big, clunky brace is your only option? 

If you have, we welcome you to get a second opinion and call us for an assessment to see if the EXO-L UP is right for you. We are the only clinic in the region to prescribe these innovative devices that are changing the lives of our patients. We’ll let you know if it can do the same for you.

Book your appointment online or call us on 06 370 4057