Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
The Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) service currently provides lower limb stimulation for the correction of dropped foot. FES is an effective treatment for dropped foot (reduced toe clearance during the swing phase of the gait cycle) due to an upper neurone lesion caused by conditions such as stroke and multiple sclerosis (MS).
FES uses a wearable device which applies electrical pulses to the common peroneal nerve in your leg typically through skin surface electrodes to activate the muscles (dorsiflexion).
The benefits of FES include; improved mobility, reduction in both the amount of effort whilst walking and the likelihood of tripping and falling, promoting greater social integration and supporting employment, hence improving quality of life.
The guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in 2009 indicates that the procedure is safe and effective to be routinely offered as a treatment option provided that the patient understands what is involved and agrees to the treatment, and the results are monitored.
Patients will be required to attend approximately four appointments in their first year and are subsequently reviewed on an annual basis.
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.
We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.