The following braces can help support the parts of your body that have weakened muscles. Your doctor or occupational therapist will recommend and prescribe the best brace for you.
Neck bracea brace that can help support your neck and head if your muscles are weakened
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Where can I get one?
How much will it cost?
Neck braces typically cost between $100 and $500. Medicare will cover 80% of the cost. The remaining 20% should be covered by Medicaid and private insurance. If you don’t have Medicaid and/or private insurance, you may have a co-pay.
What else should I know?
- Your neurologist will prescribe the best type of neck brace for you. The most commonly used style is the Headmaster Collar. If you do not receive the brace in person, your physical or occupational therapist will give you an order to take to a prosthetics and orthotics facility.
- Hanger Clinic has neck braces at locations across the country. Plug in your zip code on their website to find a location near you.
- Indemedical: Neck brace
How much will it cost?
Neck braces typically cost between $100 and $500. Medicare will cover 80% of the cost. The remaining 20% should be covered by Medicaid and private insurance. If you don’t have Medicaid and/or private insurance, you may have a co-pay.
What else should I know?
- Neck braces come in multiple sizes and styles. Choose one that fits your neck size.
- Adjust the collar by hand for a good fit and better support.
- Neck collars are designed to be cool, with low heat retention.
Hand or wrist brace or splinta brace or splint that gives extra support to your hand or wrist if your muscles are weakened
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Where can I get one?
How much will it cost?
Hand and wrist braces and splints typically cost between $10 and $50. Medicare will cover 80% of the cost. The remaining 20% should be covered by Medicaid and private insurance. If you don’t have Medicaid and/or private insurance, you may have a co-pay.
What else should I know?
- Talk with your occupational therapist to determine which type is best for you.
- Your physician can prescribe one.
- If you need a simple (non-custom) brace or splint, it may be easiest to just buy one at a store like CVS or Walmart. You can also check your local loan closet.
- If you need a special custom brace, you may get one fitted by your ALS clinic occupational therapist or you may take the order to a prosthetics and orthotics facility like Hanger Clinic.
- Amazon: Wrist and hand brace
How much will it cost?
Hand and wrist braces and splints typically cost between $10 and $50. Medicare will cover 80% of the cost. The remaining 20% should be covered by Medicaid and private insurance. If you don’t have Medicaid and/or private insurance, you may have a co-pay.
What else should I know?
- You can use it during the day or at night.
- It should be as lightweight as possible.
- If your hand is curling, a splint can help. You can also try placing a rolled washcloth inside your hand to keep it in a position where your fingernails do not dig into your palms.
Ankle foot bracealso called an ankle foot orthosis (AFO), it helps you walk with more stability, spend less energy, and be less likely to trip
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Where can I get one?
An ankle foot brace must be prescribed in person by your doctor. Then you take the order to a prosthetics and orthotics facility, such as Hanger Clinic, to be fitted in person.
How much will it cost?
Ankle foot braces typically cost between $250 and $500 each. Medicare will cover 80% of the cost. The remaining 20% should be covered by Medicaid and private insurance. If you don’t have Medicaid and/or private insurance, you may have a co-pay.
An ankle foot brace must be prescribed in person by your doctor. Then you take the order to a prosthetics and orthotics facility, such as Hanger Clinic, to be fitted in person.
How much will it cost?
Ankle foot braces typically cost between $250 and $500 each. Medicare will cover 80% of the cost. The remaining 20% should be covered by Medicaid and private insurance. If you don’t have Medicaid and/or private insurance, you may have a co-pay.
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Equipment Safety
Consult your physical or occupational therapist before buying or using any medical equipment. Also ask your local ALS Association chapter to assess your equipment needs.
To avoid unnecessary injuries, you and your caregiver(s) should receive training from your physical or occupational therapist on how to safely and properly use each piece of equipment.
To avoid unnecessary injuries, you and your caregiver(s) should receive training from your physical or occupational therapist on how to safely and properly use each piece of equipment.
