Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a treatment that uses the application of small electrical charges to improve mobility in a number of conditions. In multiple sclerosis FES is particularly used as a treatment for dropped foot.
Dropped foot occurs when damage to nerve pathways means someone experiences weakness or poor coordination in their leg or ankle which affects the way that they walk. Dropped foot leads to a way of walking that requires more effort and uses more energy. The foot may drag along the ground or the toes hang down when walking, which makes the individual more vulnerable to tripping and falling. People may alter the way that they walk to compensate, commonly lifting their leg higher. In time, this can lead to further problems such as pain in the hips or lower back, a tightening of muscles and poor balance.
As dropped foot is caused by disruption in the nerve pathway to and from the brain, rather than in nerves within the leg muscles, FES applies small electrical impulses directly to the nerves in affected muscles. This produces basic but useful movement.
Several different FES devices are available. Each has a control box, about the size of a pack of cards, which is either worn on the leg or at the waist. The devices apply impulses through electrodes attached to the skin. A version is also available that uses a surgically implanted nerve stimulator.
The device is activated by a pressure sensitive switch in the shoe. When the foot is lifted, an impulse is applied causing the foot to tilt to the correct angle. When the foot is placed on the ground again, pressure is reapplied to the switch and the impulse ceases.
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is a treatment that uses the application of small electrical charges to improve mobility in a number of conditions. In multiple sclerosis FES is particularly used as a treatment for dropped foot.Dropped foot occurs when damage to nerve pathways means someone experiences weakness or poor coordination in their leg or ankle which affects the way that they walk. Dropped foot leads to a way of walking that requires more effort and uses more energy. The foot may drag along the ground or the toes hang down when walking, which makes the individual more vulnerable to tripping and falling. People may alter the way that they walk to compensate, commonly lifting their leg higher. In time, this can lead to further problems such as pain in the hips or lower back, a tightening of muscles and poor balance.As dropped foot is caused by disruption in the nerve pathway to and from the brain, rather than in nerves within the leg muscles, FES applies small electrical impulses directly to the nerves in affected muscles. This produces basic but useful movement.Several different FES devices are available. Each has a control box, about the size of a pack of cards, which is either worn on the leg or at the waist. The devices apply impulses through electrodes attached to the skin. A version is also available that uses a surgically implanted nerve stimulator.The device is activated by a pressure sensitive switch in the shoe. When the foot is lifted, an impulse is applied causing the foot to tilt to the correct angle. When the foot is placed on the ground again, pressure is reapplied to the switch and the impulse ceases.
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