Swing Phase Inconsistency
Often due to neurological problems affecting the muscle control systems, movement and positioning of the foot can be unsteady, erratic and/or inconsistent. When combined with other tone-related problems, a variety of walking and posture problems can result. This category is for ankle control problems that are typically more inconsistent and variable. Mild to severe instability during standing and walking, inconsistent rhythm when walking, or dragging a foot when swinging it forward are a few of the ways inconsistent ankle modulation can present.
• Movement and positioning of the foot unsteady, erratic, and/or inconsistent
• Includes mild to severe instability during stance and gait; inconsistencies in gait rhythm; inappropriate changes in position or posture such as momentary knee hyperextension or crouching; mild to severe ataxia; drop-foot
• Due to neurological problems that affect muscle control and/or
proprioception
• May also have pronated or supinated foot
Brace Selection for Swing Phase Inconsistency
Within each level of involvement, there are recommended brace solutions.
- Foot and ankle appear steady
- Can control when concentrating
- Occasional falling increase when tired
- Foot and ankle appear unsteady
- Can improve control when concentrating
- Frequent stumbling especially on uneven terrain
- Foot is toe down and heel inverts
- Very little control when concentrating
- Foot appears to dangle
- Falls or stumbles frequently even on level terrain
