Foot Drop & the EXO-L UP Brace

When the front of the foot will not lift

Foot drop makes it difficult to point your toes upwards, so the foot hits the ground as you walk. Most people compensate without really noticing, swinging the leg out or lifting the knee higher than usual, and it costs them energy, balance and confidence.

It follows stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, lumbar and other nerve injuries, and conditions such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth. Plenty of people arrive here having been told that nothing more can be done for them beyond a large, clunky brace that is hard to walk in, does not fit their shoes, and throws their balance off. Where there is already significant weakness in the foot and ankle, the weight of a standard brace is part of the problem rather than the answer to it.

The EXO-L UP

The EXO-L UP is an extension of the EXO-L ankle brace, built the same way, from a 3D scan of your own foot and ankle. We introduced it in mid 2021 and it has changed how a lot of our patients move.

It sits around the back of the ankle and attaches to your shoe, so the brace and the shoe do the job together rather than the brace doing all of it alone. That is what lets it be smaller and lighter than most of what else is available, and discreet enough to forget about. It is adjustable, so the level of control can change as your circumstances do.

It is recommended by doctors, physiotherapists and podiatrists, and is used by people of all ages getting back to an active life, whatever that looks like for them.

Who it tends to help

We see the EXO-L UP make a difference for people living with:

• Stroke
• Cerebral palsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and other neurological disorders
• Lumbar nerve injuries, and other nerve injuries to the feet or legs that cause foot drop
• Nerve injuries from sport, surgery, or postural problems
• Catching a toe and tripping regularly, even without a foot drop diagnosis

How the process works

Getting an EXO-L UP starts with a consultation and a foot and ankle scan, so we can be sure the brace will get you the result you want.

Book an assessment online →

Funding: ACC may help

Some EXO-L UP braces are covered by ACC, at ACC's discretion, and where your foot drop follows an injury it is worth asking. There is paperwork to complete for the application and we do that with you. If you hold health insurance, ask your provider whether your policy covers orthotics.

Why Masterton Foot Clinic

Mobility and foot drop management is a particular area of interest for this clinic. Over many years we have worked with people living with foot drop, multiple sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, stroke, peroneal nerve injuries and age related mobility decline, helping them stay active and independent.

We prescribe a full range of devices, from simple foot drop supports through to advanced external and custom AFO systems, and our philosophy is to prescribe the least restrictive device that makes a real difference to your safety, mobility and independence. Where it helps, we work alongside physiotherapists, occupational therapists and medical specialists. You are assessed and fitted here in the Wairarapa by people who will still be here for the follow up.