Meet Mel

Mel has been using our DMO Essential Shorts and DMO Custom Sock to help manage her Multiple Sclerosis. Having been diagnosed in the 1990s, Mel’s daily life was incredibly unsteady:

“My balance was poor, I was falling frequently and walking had become increasingly difficult. I relied on furniture to move around the house and had tried NHS ankle braces, but I hadn’t found a combination that worked for me. My speech has been affected for a very long time and I really avoid going out in public.”

After her family recommended DM Orthotics, Mel booked an assessment with one of our clinicians and was given a DMO Custom Sock to help with her foot drop. Her clinician, Caroline Jackson, explained how we could help Mel first and foremost:

“When Mel first came to clinic, it was clear that her MS was really affecting her posture, balance and coordination. Although she felt her main challenge was foot drop, we agreed to start by addressing the issue that mattered most to her with a DMO sock.”

The results were immediate. We recorded videos before and after fitting, which showed a noticeable improvement in her foot clearance and walking pattern. The compression provided by the sock enhanced her sensory feedback (proprioception), helping her to control her leg better and improve her stability.

As Mel’s MS progressed, she eventually started wearing a pair of DMO Essential Shorts, which have helped reduce her hip pain, which she had previously been taking medication for— as well as providing increased support for her hips and lower back, which has given her a newfound level of confidence when moving around.

“Although Mel’s MS has progressed over time, she continues to wear her DMO sock every day and uses her shorts on days when she needs additional support. Her orthoses remain an important part of helping her feel safer, more stable and more confident in maintaining her independence at home.” – Caroline Jackson

Using the orthoses daily, Mel has felt a lot safer and not worried about falling over, as well as doing simple things like independently standing in the kitchen to make a cup of tea. These simple activities are incredibly important to Mel, and our DMO Essential orthoses have made a real difference for her.

“The whole process was straightforward. I contacted the DMO team, was quickly put in touch with my local clinician, and my assessment was excellent. I felt listened to throughout. I wear my sock every day, and I use my shorts whenever I know I’ll be more active. They help my muscles feel supported and more relaxed, and I know they’re helping me move with greater confidence.

It’s like a new lease of life; it really is.”