ALS Braces

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 brace

a brace that can help support your neck and head if your muscles are weakened
Typical Cost:
​$105–$500

Insurance Note

Medicare will cover 80% of the cost.

The remaining 20% should be covered Medicaid and private insurance. If you don’t have Medicaid and/or private insurance, you may have a co-pay.

Where can I get one?

  • 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

Helpful Tips

  • 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 splint

a brace or splint that gives extra support to your hand or wrist if your muscles are weakened
Typical Cost: $12–$50

Where can I get one?

  • 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 ​

Helpful Tips

  • 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.​​

Insurance Note

Medicare will cover 80% of the cost.

The remaining 20% should be covered Medicaid and private insurance. If you don’t have Medicaid and/or private insurance, you may have a co-pay.

Ankle foot brace

also called an ankle foot orthosis (AFO), it helps you walk with more stability, spend less energy, and be less likely to trip
Typical Cost:
​$250–$500 each

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.​

Insurance Note

Medicare will cover 80% of the cost.

The remaining 20% should be covered 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.