Knee ankle foot orthosis: £259

Often called a KAFO, this is a brace for the whole leg that spans the knee, ankle and foot.  KAFOs are provided to control instabilities in the knee and lower limb by maintaining proper alignment and controlling motion. Instabilities can be caused by broken bones, arthritic joints, hyperextension of the knee, muscle weakness and/or paralysis.

£259 would pay for a return flight to a European capital for a weekend city break but a KAFO could keep someone on the move, in work and in relative comfort for years.