What is the Moore Balance Brace (MBB)?
The Moore Balance Brace (MBB) is a low-profile, custom-made ankle-foot orthosis designed to improve stability and reduce the risk of fall-related injuries, particularly among seniors. This brace offers vital support to those with balance issues and chronic ankle instability, helping them regain confidence while walking.
The brace is made from lightweight, 3mm-thick plastic and can treat other foot conditions, not just balance. Before deciding if the Moore Balance Brace is suitable for you, our podiatrists should conduct a fall-risk evaluation to determine whether it will benefit you.
The MBB is an important part of a long-term solution, working best when combined with UFAI’s comprehensive Fall Prevention Strength Training Program. This is where our doctors and physical therapists work with you to create a personalized fall prevention plan that includes physical therapy, strength training exercises to reverse muscle weakness, balance training, home safety modifications, and regular medical check-ups.
What are the benefits of the Moore Balance Brace?
Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults. Those with advanced diabetic foot conditions and foot drop, among other conditions, are also prone to falls. And nearly half of those who fall will do so again within a year.
The MBB, prescribed by our podiatrists, is designed to help patients gain the stability necessary to free them from their fear of falling while avoiding and preventing accidents. Key benefits of the Moore Balance Brace include:
- Enhanced stability: Reduces the likelihood of falls by supporting weakened ankles and feet.
- Custom-fit: Tailored to individual needs, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness, much like a custom orthotic.
- Compatibility with everyday shoes: It fits easily into most types of footwear, ensuring consistent use throughout the day. Closures are available in velcro or lace, depending on which is best for the patient.
How does the MBB work?
The Moore Balance Brace (MBB) provides stability to the ankle and foot, helping to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. This custom-made ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) offers the following benefits:
Ankle support and alignment
The MBB stabilizes the foot and ankle, correcting any alignment issues that might contribute to instability. Proper alignment reduces the strain on the joints and muscles, allowing for smoother and safer walking.
It provides increased sensory feedback
The brace offers improved proprioception, the body’s ability to sense its position in space. This enhanced feedback helps the wearer improve their postural stability while being more aware of their movements and surroundings, making it easy to reduce the risk of tripping or losing balance.
It fits into most shoes
The MBB is designed to fit comfortably into most doctor-recommended shoes, so users can wear it during their daily activities without needing special footwear. This encourages regular use, which is essential for maximizing its benefits.
It’s custom-made for the needs of each patient
Each brace is molded based on the individual’s foot and ankle anatomy. This personalized approach ensures a proper fit, enhancing comfort and effectiveness in preventing falls.
It’s clinically proven to work
The MBB is the only clinically proven brace that reduces postural sway and improves postural stability. This means safer movement and a lower risk of falls.
How long does it take to adjust to the MBB?
Most individuals require about 2 to 4 weeks to fully adjust to wearing the Moore Balance Brace. During this period, it is common to feel some mild discomfort or unusual sensations as your body adapts to the increased stability and alignment provided by the brace.
Here’s what to expect during the adjustment process:
- Initial comfort: Because the MBB is custom-made, it should fit comfortably from the start. However, some individuals may feel slight stiffness or pressure as their muscles and joints adapt to the support.
- Gradual wear time: It’s advisable to gradually increase the amount of time you wear the brace each day. Start wearing it for a few hours and slowly increase the duration as your body gets used to it.
- Full adjustment: By the end of two to four weeks, most users feel entirely comfortable wearing the brace throughout the day. At this point, the brace should feel like a natural part of your daily routine, offering continuous stability without discomfort.
Our podiatrists will personally guide you through the adjustment period and recommend any exercises that further support your adaptation to the MBB.
How is the Moore Balance Brace made?
Our brace is custom-made to fit your foot perfectly. First, we take a detailed impression of your foot and ankle in a semi-weight-bearing or fully-weighted position, which helps us get the ideal fit. Then, we create a model based on that impression. The brace is made by layering a leather lining, a durable plastic shell, and a top leather cover.
Since this device is fully customizable, our podiatrists can adjust it to your specific needs. It’s only available through licensed medical providers to ensure the right fit and support.
Does insurance cover the Moore Balance Brace?
Yes. The Moore Balance Brace cost is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. Coverage usually applies when the brace is prescribed to treat conditions contributing to fall risks, such as balance instability or weakness in the lower extremities.
Insurers often recognize it as a necessary medical device since it plays a significant role in fall prevention—especially for seniors or individuals with mobility challenges. To ensure coverage, it’s important to have your podiatrist or healthcare provider document the brace’s medical necessity.
However, coverage specifics can vary, so it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to confirm the details, including co-pays or potential out-of-pocket costs.
Why choose University Foot and Ankle Institute to solve your balance problems?
If you or a loved one is experiencing balance problems or find yourself at risk of falling, don’t wait until an accident occurs. University Foot and Ankle Institute offers a comprehensive balance program designed to help you regain stability and improve your quality of life.
University Foot and Ankle Institute’s Balance and Fall Prevention Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to reduce fall risks for seniors and improve their mobility. The program includes a detailed risk assessment covering medical history, physical strength, gait and balance analysis, neurological evaluations, and home safety reviews. Based on these results, customized strategies are developed, including strength and flexibility exercises, footwear recommendations, and safety modifications like handrails.
For more information or to schedule a consultation in the greater Los Angeles area, please call (877) 736-6001 or make an appointment now.
University Foot and Ankle Institute is conveniently located throughout Southern California, with podiatry clinics in (or near) Santa Monica (on Wilshire Blvd.), Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, the San Fernando Valley, Manhattan Beach, the South Bay, LAX, Westlake Village, Valencia, Santa Clarita, and Santa Barbara.
As a teaching institution, University Foot and Ankle Institute’s Fellowship Program is among the most advanced in the nation.
We at UFAI are driven to get our patients back to their normal activities with the highest level of function, in the least amount of time, using the least invasive treatments possible. From start to finish, we are with you every step of the way.
The UFAI Education Team works to help empower our patients and website visitors with the most up-to-date information about foot and ankle conditions, treatment options, recovery and injury prevention. Our goal is to pass on truly useful information to our readers.
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