The Dictus Band is an orthosis to help people who suffer from Drop Foot. Drop Foot (or Foot Drop) is a neuromuscular (nerve and muscle) disorder that affects the patient's ability to raise their foot at the ankle.
Walking becomes a challenge due to the patient's inability to control the foot at the ankle. The foot may appear floppy and the patient may drag the foot and toes while walking. People with foot drop usually exhibit an exaggerated or high-stepping walk. The Dictus Band helps those suffering from Drop Foot to raise their foot directly after toeoff- eliminating everyday obstructions such as doorsteps, carpets and pavements.
The Dictus Band is a different concept from other braces. Where the normal standard A.F.O. - which are non-flexible - holds the foot straight to stop the foot dropping, the Dictus Band uses a spring action with the rubber band and hook. This gives a more natural action and as a side benefit allows a person to do things that would be impossible with a polyethylene A.F.O. (i.e.: drive a car with their right foot)
The rubber band - the active part of the orthosis - on the Dictus Band helps keep the front of the foot in an upward position. When a person puts their foot on the ground, the rubber band helps raise the toes. Dictus Indoor provides support when the user is moving about indoors or without shoes.
NOTE: You must have the Outdoor Dictus Band (the band surrounding the ankle in the image shown) to correctly use the Indoor Dictus Band.
