Are you interested in learning more about what a C.
R.
O.
W.
is? Are you searching for one of these braces for your patient? 1.
) What is a C.
R.
O.
W.
? C.
R.
O.
W.
is an acronym that stands for Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker.
Many times individuals in the medical field will call them a "walking boot", or a "clam shell brace" etc.
With best intentions, these names are not exact and this can cause confusion among other medical professionals seeing the patient.
- In order to adopt a shared vision about what this brace is, it is best to describe the brace as a C.
R.
O.
W.
- Other braces such as a C.
A.
M.
walker or off loading shoes can also be referred to as "walking boots" or "leg braces" and you can see why it is best to be clear when getting the orthosis (brace) that you (or your patient) needs.
2.
) The Function of a C.
R.
O.
W.
When a patient suffers from a Charcot deformity, they can have open (or recovering) sores on their feet that they may be struggling with.
Moreover, a patient might also have a compromised foot structure that is causing a gait deviation due to the aforementioned Charcot foot.
When a sore on your foot does not get proper attention and your condition escalates, you may be facing amputation, and this is why you want to look into what a C.
R.
O.
W.
can provide.
Essentially, a C.
R.
O.
W.
can help to provide accommodative support to a Charcot foot.
This means that on the inside of the orthosis (brace) there is padding that helps to provide shock absorption to the areas that are problematic.
This padding is not something you can find in a store in your area.
It is specially designed for people with open sores or Charcot foot issues.
This orthosis can really help give the foot a chance to heal.
- Also, on the outside, you will have a plastic casing for the padding that is fabricated to the size and shape of your foot, ankle and leg.
Sometimes diabetic shoes can help provide relief to feet that are suffering from open sores, or charcot deformity.
However, a C.
R.
O.
W.
can help to limit motion at the problematic sites where the foot deformity is present.
These braces can be extremely helpful for people that suffer from the aforementioned condition.
3.
) How to Find a C.
R.
O.
W.
in Your Area? It is best to see a licensed brace specialist in your area to get this kind of orthosis (brace).
The orthotist will take an impression of your leg and fabricate the brace to your specifications.
Also, when you go to the brace specialist, bring your insurance cards with you.
This is important because many times a brace can be billed to your insurance and you may not have to pay anything out of pocket to get this brace!