office@orthotics.co.uk 0330 088 3949 Book now
Home About us Medico legal Services Finance options Who we work with Contact us
Types of orthotics Robotics Flat head syndrome Sport and performance Services Assessments and reports Apos Therapy Bespoke orthotics Consultancy Foot drop clinic Gait analysis Home visits Lycra clinic Multidisciplinary assessments Paediatric clinic Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly clinic Review Robotics clinic Second opinions Spasticity clinic Sport and performance clinic Training and courses Types of orthotics Ankle and foot orthotics Children's services Dynamic stretching orthotics Functional electric stimulation Head and face protection Hernia supports Hip braces Insoles KAFO's Knee braces Lycra orthoses Neck and shoulder orthoses Spasticity management Specialised footwear Spinal orthotics Upper limb orthotics

FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation) for lower limb application

FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation) devices are primarily used to assist individuals with drop foot, a condition where weakness in the lower leg muscles makes lifting the front of the foot difficult. This can lead to dragging while walking, increasing the risk of trips and falls.

In addition to supporting drop foot, some FES devices can also stimulate the hamstring or quadriceps muscles, helping to improve knee and hip stability for those with muscle weakness in these areas.

What types of FES devices are available for lower limb application?

Orthotics.co.uk have scoured the market to provide only the best FES solutions for our patients. We are abreast of any new products which come on to the market. If the FES system you are looking for is not on this list, please enquire and we can advise why?

  • Bioness L100 Go - The Bioness L100 Go has been an excellent device in the effective management of drop foot for many years.
  • Bioness L300 Go - The Bioness L300 Go is a good option for those suffering from drop foot. It has a more sophisticated electrode than the L100 Go which enables greater foot position control. The Bioness also had the advantage of being able to add a thigh section for additional knee stability.
  • WalkAide 2 - A sleek device the WalkAide 2 provides a good solution when dealing with the difficulties of drop foot.

What conditions are FES devices for lower limb application often used for?

FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation) will only benefit those who have conditions which have affected the central nervous system. These include:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Stroke
  • Incomplete spinal cord injury
  • Brain Injuries
  • Cerebral palsy (CP)
  • Familial spastic paraplegia
  • Early onset of Motor Neurones Disease

This list of conditions is not exhaustive. If you are unsure if you would be suitable for a FES device for lower limbs please contact us to discuss.

What are the indications for use of a FES device for lower limb application?

There are many indications that someone may benefit from an FES system.

  • Weakness in lower limb muscles
  • Reduced knee flexion
  • Reduced hip flexion
  • Trendelenburg gait (Compensatory waddling)
  • Drop foot
  • Current AFO is too restrictive

If you are unsure if you would be suitable for a FES device, please contact us to discuss.

What are the benefits of FES devices for lower limb application?

There are many benefits that come from using a FES device to support your lower limbs including:

  • Increased ground clearance when walking
  • Improved walking pattern
  • Increased walking speed
  • Improved stability
  • Greater range of movement
  • Reduced spasticity
  • Reduced fatigue

There are many benefits using a FES device to find out more please contact us to discuss.

What is the process to receive a FES device for lower limb application?

Step 1: Suitability Assessment


Your first step is to book an assessment with one of our orthotists. During the appointment, we will:

  • Observe your walking pattern (gait analysis)
  • Test the range of motion in your lower limb joints
  • Assess muscle strength
  • Review your full medical history
  • Determine which FES system is the best for you.

If you are already using an FES system or have undergone a suitability assessment elsewhere, please provide us with the details. In some cases, this may allow us to proceed directly to Step 2 without requiring a suitability assessment.

Step 2: Two-Week Home Trial


If you are deemed suitable for one of our FES systems, we will order your trial device for a two-week home trial. You will then return for an appointment, where the orthotist will:

The process to receive a FES device for drop foot would be:

    āœ… Set up the trial unit

    āœ… Fine-tune stimulation settings using a specialist tablet

    āœ… Explain how to use the FES system

If needed, we can extend the trial period to help you make an informed decision.


Step 3: Purchase and Follow-Up Appointments


If the trial is successful, we will process your order for a new FES system. Our package includes:

  • 1x FES system
  • 1x Initial setup appointment
  • 3x Review appointments (at 3, 6, and 12 months)

These review appointments ensure that the stimulation settings are adjusted as your walking improves over time.

Certified Supplier


Orthotics.co.uk is a certified provider of the WalkAide 2, Bioness L100 Go, and Bioness L300 Go. All our orthotists have received specialised training.

What If Iā€™m Not Suitable for an FES device?

If the orthotist determines that you are not suitable for an FES device, they will recommend alternative orthotic solutions. Should you wish to proceed with an alternative, the orthotist will take measurements, casts, or scans as needed.

Here is the Evidence!

How to Arrange an Assessment for a FES system (Functional Electrical Stimulation).

To learn more about our FES solutions (including pricing) or to book an assessment, you can:

  • Email us at office@orthotics.co.uk
  • Call us on 03300883949
  • Complete the form below
  • Home visits are available upon request (please ensure space for a 5-metre clear walkway)
  • Click here to Book now and receive a 5% discount!

If you have already been assessed for FES and know you are suitable, contact us via email with more details of your case.

To get in touch or arrange an appointment, you can call us at 0330 088 3949 or email office@orthotics.co.uk.

Send us a message...

Related pages