Testimonials
Elaine Sullivan, Age: 53, CMT
The Helios Orthosis
Alabama
I am currently 53 years old. I was diagnosed with CMT at the age of 36. At the age of 45 I began to have weakness in my lower legs and trouble with balance. I began wearing AFO's a couple of years later. With the AFO's I could walk better, however I walked slowly and with much effort. They didn't help with balance. I couldn't stand without touching something. In June of 2004 I went to see Mitch and was fitted with Helios braces. Now I can walk much faster. I don't get fatigued when walking and I can stand in the middle of a room without touching anything! These braces have improved my life tremendously. As an added bonus Mitch and Michelle were great to work with.
Sincerely,
Elaine Sullivan
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February 21, 2004
Fred Haag, Age: 78, CMT
The Helios Orthosis
San Diego, CA
It was two weeks ago that I left your office in Las Vegas and headed back to San Diego with my new braces. Your words were "Do not place any expectations on yourself for the first two weeks".
During the first week my wife went with me to my athletic club to be sure that I did not fall in my transit to and from. I did my usual Pilates with my trainer as well as the swimming (without the braces) also with a trainer to get the maximum out of these workouts. I had no falls or other mishaps for the week. In the second week I timed myself from the garage to the front desk of the club. Before braces it took me thirty minutes fraught with great danger due to my instability, upon arrival I laid down to recover from the exhaustion. However with the new braces from you it took me five minutes and I was fresh and ready for the exercises.
Also during the second week I wrote a letter to four of my doctors that are acquainted with my Amyloidosis if they wanted to see my new braces and the fantastic results they provided. An answer was received and I went to see Charles Jablecki, M.D., my local lead neurologist. He called me into his office and was amazed with my mobility and steady pace of walking as well as my ability to stand without leaning on anything or anybody. Charles took pictures of the braces and was delighted that I found Mitch Warner. Since he lectures at various campuses he said with excitement that he will tell the younger doctors of my find.
After leaving my neurologist, I went to see Jackie Macauley at Sharp Rehab Center who had examined me and said "Before we do anything you must get leg braces". She told me that she had heard about light weight braces and through a variety of circumstances I found the brace on a website. That was Mitch Warner's home page. I wanted to thank Jackie Macauley personally for changing my life with these new braces. And so I did. Jackie was amazed and my ability to stand while talking to her without leaning against anything. After a nice visit, listened to by a lot of the PT's and patients all smiling, I turned and walked out and I heard her say a big loud "Wow".
This is my report for the first two weeks of my new braces Mitch. Thanks a lot for your contribution in changing my life. Back in my home town we say "You did good".
Frederick Haag
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January 16, 2005
Jack A. Graves, CMT
California
My first awareness of the braces made by Mitchell Warner of Ortho Rehab Designs in Las Vegas came from an article in the December, 2002 issue of The CMTA Report. It was titled "Designing An Energy Loading Brace For CMT" and discussed a type of AFO using a carbon-graphite device. The article intrigued me and I made an appointment to see Mr. Warner. He was most gracious, very helpful, and indicated he could indeed design braces for my CMT condition. The project took about a week for diagnostic fittings, fabricating the device, etc. When I put on my Helios braces and stood up, I had tears in my eyes for it was the first time in almost thirty years I could do so without the feeling of losing my balance -forward or backward. Mitch indicated it would take a while to get used to the braces, gave me some instructions, and I carried them back to my home-an eight hour drive.
One day I tried to drive my car but I got concerned before I even left the garage because it seemed as if my shoe was hitting the brake pedal after I lifted it from the gas pedal. This bothered me and, since I live alone, I was extremely worried I could not drive my car. The braces really did help my balance and my walking (no more drop foot for the braces held my feet in a fixed position) and I decided it was time to take a positive approach.
I took the braces out to a new shopping mall where a store there had a huge parking lot. I had noticed on previous visits to the area that no cars were ever parked in the far end of the lot and this would be a safe place to practice. I put on my braces and, since the sun was shining brightly, I could see down to the gas and brake pedals. I discovered, much to my delight, there was plenty of room and I was able to move from one to the other with ease. I noticed I was using my thigh muscles, which I was doing without the braces, so having them on felt quite natural. I felt comfortable in only about five minutes! Now the big test was whether or not I could do so in traffic without being nervous. I left the parking lot, got into the main street, and drove with ease. In fact, I felt more confident with the braces because there was no drop foot action and no weakness in my ankle! So, now I wear the braces whenever I go out and I have so much confidence and a feeling of self-worth for I don't have to worry about tripping or that I walk "funny". If someone stares now I just hold my head high and walk with a purpose. It is such a grand feeling not to have to look down most of the time or to worry about tripping over the simplest of things.
I definitely do recommend these braces to anyone with CMT who has the usual walking and balance problems which often accompany this disease. Mitch knows his work and is always willing to assist in any manner necessary. Anyone can e-mail me if more information is needed.
Jack A. Graves
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March 18, 2005
Gail D., Age: 52, CMT
Chicago, IL
I called Mitch Warner of Ortho Rehab Designs in late December of 2004 and decided to take the trek from Chicago to Las Vegas to try his Helios braces for my CMT. I was hopeful but honestly didn't know quite what to expect. Three weeks after my return home, I am nothing short of ecstatic.
I am 52 years old and was diagnosed with CMT in my late 20's when I had a triple arthrodesis on each of my ankles. I started wearing AFO's about 12 years ago, walked/limped slowly along, and essentially could not stand still without touching something or someone. For me, I think the balance problem was the hardest part of having this disease because it caused me to start avoiding more and more situations over time and ultimately was becoming quite limiting.
My neurologist said there wasn't anything that could be done to improve my balance. When I called Ortho Rehab Designs, Mitch said there was. His certainty was what led me to take a chance and visit. And he was 100% right. With the new braces, for the first time in years, I can stand perfectly still without touching anything for as long as I desire. Moreover, my gait is now actually normal or very close to it, I stand straight rather than bent at my knees, I walk at a more normal pace, and can walk much further without fatigue. The change has been dramatic and immediate, and I'm told that the full change generally takes a couple of months to achieve. Put simply, I am thrilled and very happily surprised that my most hopeful expectations have been far exceeded.
Mitch was a pleasure to work with through the entire process, gives you his undivided attention, and customizes everything to each person's needs. Michelle shepherded the insurance claim process and clearly knows those ropes, which is important because the braces are expensive. However, when I consider what they have done for me in such a short time, the cost is well worth it. My quality of life has been significantly improved.
I could not recommend Ortho Rehab Designs more highly. Thank you Mitch and Michelle!
Gail
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July 7, 2004
Betty Darrenkamp, Age: 50, CMT
Lancaster, PA
I would highly recommend Mitch Warner and his Helios II and double Helix braces for anyone afflicted with CMT. The stability and feeling of security of not falling are wonderful! I also have severe recurvatum in my left knee and the brace holds my knee in check, preventing further damage to the ligaments. I am able to walk longer distances than ever before with my braces.
If anyone is wondering about after care or having problems with their braces once they are back home, I can attest to the fact that Mitch will do anything in his power to prevent that by carefully fitting test braces first. Mitch is a very caring person and you can rest assured that he will keep in touch with you after you leave his office.
If I can ever be of help to you Mitch by offering my e-mail or phone number to a perspective patient with CMT please don't hesitate in letting them contact me.
Thanks again Mitch for your wonderful braces and your caring attitude!
Betty Darrenkamp
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CMT patient answers questions From Another CMT Patient
March 2003
South Carolina
Hello,
Thanks for your e-mail. My experience with Mitch was so positive that I'd gladly respond to your request for more information:
Q. Which Helios brace to you wear?
A. I wear the double Helios style.
Q. Do you wear one or two braces?
A. One on each leg.
Q. The how well do you walk with the braces?
A. The best I have ever walked in my life. No question about it.
I was diagnosed at age 20. Discovered these braces at age 32.
I had so many bad habits created in my gait. These braces, along
with some discipline to remember to straighten my knees when I
walked, changed my gait forever. When I walk now, it is fluid,
and you would not suspect that I have CMT. In fact, to give you
an even more compelling argument, I am now 34 and 7 1/2 months
pregnant. I was very nervous that I would have problems with my
legs and my stability during my pregnancy. With 9 weeks to go,
I still have no problems and my balance is near-perfect. I think
it has to do with a good diet and these Helios braces. Even more
important than my gait improvements, my balance is near-perfect.
I can stand still for hours at a time (when standing on both legs),
not feeling the slightest bit clumsy or off center. (Remember
again—even at 7 months pregnant, my balance hasn’t
changed!).
Q. Has it improved your balance while standing still?
A. Please see above. The results are impressive when you are used
to always having to hold onto something.
Q. Do you need to use a cane?
A. Nope!
Q. Did your medical insurance pay for the braces?
A. Yes. Check out your benefits to see if they cover this type
of durable medical equipment and be persistent. I recommend that
you get everything preapproved, if possible. This doesn't (shouldn't
take very long). Collecting after the fact is very difficult.
Q. How long have you worn the braces?
A. Going on two years in June.
Q. How long did you need to stay in Las Vegas to be fitted?
A. 1 week -- there is so much to do! It was like a mini vacation
for me -- even being alone.
Last but not least, Mitch is very responsive. I live on the East Coast and he responds very quickly (within 24 hours of my calls if not sooner). The stellar customer service you receive from both Mitch and his assistant Michelle make your investment that much more worthwhile. Any potential problems are addressed promptly. Michelle also has experience working with insurance companies. Although I had to file everything myself, she gave me very good advice throughout the process.
My bottom-line recommendation is: just do it! Good luck!
Sincerely,
E.H.
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November 22, 2003
Michael Meyer, Age: 58, CMT
The Helios Orthosis
New York, NY
To all those with CMT, who would welcome the ability to walk with a normal gate:
Over the past eight years, I have tried various types of braces. I have found this to be a thoroughly exasperating experience. Physicians lacked knowledge in bracing and orthotists did not understand the needs of a person with CMT. Also, they lacked the knowledge of innovative approaches and offered few options (the ‘One Brace Fits All’ concept).
I was searching for a brace that would act as a support for the muscles that were reduced in their strength and function, and additionally allow the muscle groups that were still working to perform.
Also, I wanted a brace that was comfortable, would enable me to walk with a normal gate, offer stability while standing or walking, and support proper posture.
If you have ever searched for a brace, you probably find my desires equivalent to ‘The Impossible Dream'.
My search is over thanks to Mitchell Warner.
Mitchell Warner at Ortho Rehab Designs has developed and trademarked braces specifically for CMT. He possesses the knowledge and experience to evaluate and recommend solutions based on an individual’s needs.
I spent five great days in Las Vegas, NV, receiving the ultimate in courteous and professional care.
I am now able to out pace a majority of pedestrians in Manhattan. The Helios Orthosis enables me to stand and walk with stability. I can navigate uneven surfaces, and climb and transcend slopes. Achieving all this with absolute comfort and proper body alignment.
Thanks again Mitch.
Michael Meyer
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Phyllis Carlson
San Diego
Age: 75
I found Ortho Rehab Designs while doing research on bracing for CMT. After speaking to other people who were wearing the Helios system in Southern California I decided to take a trip to Las Vegas for an evaluation.
I was quite amazed to see so many other patients on videotape with CMT that were helped by this bracing system. My only concern is that initially my feet were much more severe than most patients I had seen. As I had severe foot deformity in both feet, my physicians told me that there was nothing that could be done for me, and they doubted that any bracing system could help to correct my feet considering how much damage there was to my feet at the time.
I am pleased to tell everyone that after my visit at Ortho Rehab Designs the Helios brace has made remarkable corrections. On my left foot the brace put in a correction of my foot of 34 degrees, and on my right foot there was about 25 degrees of correction. After wearing them for the first week I was able to go shopping again and walk all about the town without any pain, and with increased function and speed. I highly recommend this to any CMT patient or any other patient that is in need of leg bracing.
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Mark Jacoby
Los Angeles, CA
Age: 54
I needed a brace due to a gastrocnemius paralysis. I had tried different braces and learned of Ortho Rehab Designs and Mitch Warner through referrals in my city. Initially I had doubts about this working as I had been through several braces before. After being treated with this brace I can tell you that this has been the solution for me, and additionally it has allowed me to walk with greater velocity and energy. It has also allowed me to return to the sport of paddle tennis which I now play three times a week. I am very pleased with this outcome, as it has helped me more than my expectations.
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Bruce Ramstad
Florida
12/21/02
Dear Mitch:
I just returned from a 1.2 mile walk in the neighborhood and it seemed only appropriate to drop you a note to advise you of my progress.
As you know, I have CMT type 1A. Over the past several years my level of medication and my weight has increased fairly dramatically while my mobility and general quality of life has decreased. Prior to September I was using a pair of polypropylene-based braces that offered some protection from dropfoot but afforded very little lateral support. The material had begun to fatigue after about six months, and my idea of a long walk was to reach the back of a Wal-Mart store. I had been advised by a local podiatrist, and a neurologist from Mayo Clinic that this was about the best I could hope to expect; that is until I read an article about you and your product in “CMT Today”.
When I left your office three months ago I could barely stand up in my new Helios braces without assistance, and I must admit to a great deal of trepidation. After purchasing the proper footwear and “learning how to walk” again however, I cannot be happier. The biggest plus to the Helios II, aside from simply walking, is in the area of Balance!! My biggest source of embarrassment for many years has been my inability to simply stand and converse with someone without losing my balance; the new braces have taken away that fear.
I sincerely want to thank you for the amazing improvement your Helios II brace brought to my quality of life. Should you have other patients who you think might benefit from my experience, feel free to share my e-mail address or work phone number with them.
Kindest Regards,
Bruce Ramstad
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Evelyn Tingley
Las Vegas, NV
Since I started wearing the Helios leg brace I have been able
to walk with little or no pain, and walk faster. I can go up and
downstairs now (using a railing) normally without having to use
both feet on one step. My foot sometimes swells, but with the
open brace design it doesn’t get tight like the old brace.
In addition, I am able to walk for greater lengths of time, with
more speed and much less fatigue.
EVELYN TINGLEY
back to topJohn Fox, CMT, June 2003
Age: 75, Indiana
I have wanted to write and thank Mitch Warner in Las Vegas. I called him after I reviewed his website. Following my appointment I wore my new Helios braces home and have worn them daily with astonishing results. It took a few weeks to “break them in” but now for the first time in 5 years I can stand without touching or holding on to something, what a godsend. My gait is much faster and I can walk much further, whereas with my former AFO’s I became fatigued after walking a city block. I have looked all over trying to find the perfect braces for me, and I am thankful that I have found them!
Forever thankful,
John
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Eric Taylor, Age: 32
Occupation: Registered Cardiopulmonary Technician
Left: Transfemoral prosthesis
Right: Symes prosthesis
Las Vegas, NV
As a user of bilateral prosthetic devices, endurance and comfort are critical to me. Working in a hospital keeps me on my legs all day long. When I am not working, my activities include: restoration of vintage automobiles, landscaping, and boating, to name a few. These new prostheses are extremely comfortable, and give me a high degree of stability.
The locking silicone liner on my above knee amputation is a great innovation. My previous prosthesis was made with a total suction fit (with a valve). Even though the socket fit me, I would constantly lose suction throughout my workday, as my stump would shrink. This prosthetic system has let me become more active, without pain.
With the locking silicone fit, no matter what changes my stump might have throughout the day, the prosthesis will not migrate down. Once it is locked on, it stays locked on until I am ready to take it off. This prosthesis is much easier to put on than my old valve suction limb.
My prosthesis has a Mauch SNS hydraulic knee, and an energy storing-multiaxial carbon graphite foot. I highly recommend this prosthetic system for anyone who wants to be highly active.
Eric Taylor
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Thomas Hellermann, Age 60, Transtibial (B.K.)
This locking silicone suction socket is the most comfortable and secure fit I ever had. On my previous prosthesis I always had pressure on the end of the amputated bone, due to the way my stump healed after surgery. With the silicone liner, there is no pain. The combination of the flex-foot and endolite shock pylon give me great function. I live out in the desert where there is a lot of uneven ground, and my prosthesis is made to adjust to these uneven surfaces. The shock pylon also provides me with a comfort zone, as it reduces the impact pressures on my stump. For the first time I can run, and even hop on one leg! My new leg has far increased my activity and endurance level. Amputees should be made aware that there is prosthetic technology available to improve their lives.
Mitch, thanks for the extra time and care you put into my prosthesis.
Sincerely,
Thomas Hellermann
Matthew Perrin, Age 10, Double Helix/Dynamic Response Spiral
March 2, 2001
To whom it may concern:
Due to having a severe stroke at the age of five, my son Matthew has been wearing a right helix leg brace for the past four years. The correction that has occurred in Matthew's leg has been undeniable. Matthew struggles daily with his gait and tightness of his ankle. This brace allows him to have freedom of movement he would not have otherwise.
Mitchell Warner with Ortho Rehab approached me with the idea for the helix brace after Matthew had been in an AFO. From the very beginning this brace has improved Matthew's range of movement and greatly helped his leg/foot from tiring. As Matthew continues to grow, the brace needs replacing about every 12-13 months. Over time we have watched each one of Matthew's braces improve.
Matthew is a very active young boy and always on the go. He plays the catching position on his baseball team and is an avid motorcycle rider. If he is out of his brace for even a day or two, you can really see the difference. This newest brace, the double helix, allows Matthew the comfort of all day wear and correction. Although in the past he has chosen not to wear his brace when he runs, he is now wearing it at all times. At ten years old, he can run a mile in less than nine minutes. Given the fact that his right side was completely paralyzed just four and a half yeas age, this is a remarkable accomplishment.
We feel very blessed that not only are we in a time that we can enjoy these benefits in technology but that there are people out there such as Mitch/Ortho Rehab that care such a great deal for their patients.
Sincerely,
Barbara Perrin
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Charles Galloway
Age: 65
Left side transtibial amputation
Due to my industrial accident I received a left below the knee amputation. I have tried several types of prosthetic devices and gone through much pain and suffering. I was only able to walk short distances due to severe pain. The end of my amputated bone pushed against the skin terribly. It was like pushing your finger against plastic wrap. My doctors began to think that I could not be fit with a prosthesis unless I had a surgical revision to my stump. This is something I did not want to do. I had been through enough surgery and still wanted to try a prosthetic solution.
It was at this point in time that my physician referred me to Mitch Warner at Ortho Rehab Designs to see if anything could be done. Mitch advised me of a new approach to fitting my stump with complete hydrostatic pressure using the latest technology in locking silicone suction sockets. I have to admit in the beginning I thought that ultimately I would be headed for a surgical stump revision. Mitch walked me on diagnostic sockets, and it was from there that he made the necessary adjustments. Much to my amazement when I first walked in my new silicone suction prosthesis, I was able to walk pain-free for the first time since being fit with prosthetic devices. Because of this I have returned to an active lifestyle. I can walk on my prosthesis 14 hours a day…pain free!
The kind of work I do mostly is landscaping my back yard and general work around the house. I installed my entire backyard's sprinkler system using heavy equipment with only the assistance of my wife Jennie. It still amazes me that I can walk normally and be pain-free on this prosthesis. I walk so well that no one knows I am wearing a prosthesis. If anyone would like to contact me to discuss the benefits of this prosthetic fitting method, I would be glad to speak with them.
Charles Galloway
Las Vegas, Nevada
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The Double Helix braces have worked extremely well for me. I have significantly increased my stability and find them to be flexible enough to drive without the assistance of hand controls. My plan is to have adjustments made periodically in the years ahead as these braces can actually improve, and not just maintain the status quo. The notion of improvement is not often associated with the progressive nature of Charcot-Marie-Tooth.
Personally, I highly recommend Ortho Rehab Designs and the Double Helix braces. What they've done for me is remarkable.
Gary Shepherd
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Penny Yozamp
August 1, 2000
Penny
Yozamp, Bilateral Spirals
Mitchell S. Warner
Ortho Rehab Designs
601 S. Rancho Drive, #B-14
Las Vegas, NV 89106
Dear Mitch,
I would like to thank you for all your help. After wearing two different braces, I have to say, "that the Spiral is a much better brace versus the AFO brace".
While wearing the AFO braces, I was limited in the mobility and use of my legs and ankles. I could not turn quickly, without falling down. My ankle was too rigid for movement and the strap across the front of the brace, would hurt the bone in my leg. Also with my disease, the AFO braces became inadequate for me to continue walking, because I started to fall down, even though I was wearing the AFO braces.
When I was fitted to the Spiral braces, I felt as if I had my legs back. I could move quickly, turn quickly, and feel comfortable. Of course there was adjustments to the new brace, but that came quickly. I was very uncomfortable to be in a crowd of people while wearing the AFO braces, because I was afraid that someone would bump me and I would fall down. But wearing the Spiral braces, I felt comfortable and stable while wearing them in a crowd of people.
Many people have stopped me and asked about the Spiral braces. And all I can say is "the Spiral braces are much better in performance ability than the AFO braces".
Sincerely,
Penny Yozamp
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February 26, 2002
Robert Kaufmann, Age: 62, Peroneal Neuropathy
Double Helix
Dear Mitchell:
The purpose of this letter is to let you know of my satisfaction with the professional services you have provided over the last five years. Because of a motor neuron disorder I have lost significant motor function in my right leg and hip. Walking has become increasingly difficult. With the single and, more recently, double helix leg braces I can walk and have use of my leg for standing, as well. Without the brace the combination of foot drop and motor deficit results in a gait that is exhausting because I must compensate with raising my hip and circum-ducting the leg to obtain necessary foot clearance. Further, the right foot is severely pronated and a small amount of standing or walking quickly leads to total fatigue and discomfort.
The double helix brace, in particular, provides considerable correction of the aforementioned deficits in the positions of my foot and leg and assistance with my gait. I routinely am on my feet for much of an 8-hour or longer day and I just recently was able to walk up to a mile when periodic rest stops were made. Without the brace these activities are impossible.
Aside from the beneficial results of your efforts, I must point out that your obvious skill in working with difficult, costly materials (e.g. graphite, silicone) has been accompanied by every consideration for this patient's comfort, schedule, and input. You clearly listen to patient concerns and needs. Incorporation of patient input and your appropriate timely reaction are very commendable and exceptional in this day of "10 minute medicine".
Thank you for a job well done.
Sincerely,
Robert F. Kaufmann, Ph.D.
Consulting Hydrogeologist (Ret.)
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Monica Tullar, Age: 30, Charcot-Marie-Tooth
Helical Orthosis
May 2002
One of the many benefits of the helical orthosis, I thought to
be, is the ability to move from side to side. What I mean by that
is rolling from the outside edge of the foot in towards the arch
and back out again. In other braces that motion was never available.
If you walked on an uneven surface, since the ankle couldn't give,
it would take the knee out. In any other brace walking on an uneven
surface was a disaster. The ankle wouldn't give at all, so the
knee had to give totally throwing me off balance.
The ability to move from the outside of the foot to the inside of the arch just didn't exist. This, the brace doesn't just spring you forward; it rotates side-to-side giving you the ability to keep your stability while walking on uneven surfaces.
Being a photographer who often works outside, I am constantly having to lug equipment up and down grass, gravel, and sand. Have you ever tried to walk in the sand with braces? It made such a difference I couldn't even believe it.
I have to say one of the other great benefits of the helical orthosis was for the first time when I got a new set of braces there wasn't that long process of two hours this day, four hours the next day trying to build up. I wore them for a few hours one day, the next day I wore them a ten-hour shift at work.
No sores, no spots, I was really shocked. The difference was
that this pair of braces had custom silicone padded footplates,
designed by Mitchell Warner at Ortho Rehab Designs. It totally
reduced the everyday pressures on my feet, and allows me to stand
and walk for longer periods.
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