Ankle Foot Orthotic (AFO)

What is Ankle Foot Orthotic?

The effect of an Ankle Foot Orthotic (AFO) on each patient depends on the condition it is designed to manage. Generally, an AFO stabilizes the foot and ankle as a single unit. It can improve toe clearance when walking, reducing falls and stumbles, stabilize painful joints to reduce pain, or prevent deformities like flatfoot from progressing if addressed early.

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AFO braces are particularly effective for foot and ankle conditions caused by various neurologic and musculoskeletal disorders, including:

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Global development delays

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Stroke

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Adult acquired flatfoot

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Knee pain caused by foot and ankle

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Recurrent falls

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Ankle instability or weakness

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Foot and ankle tendon injuries

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Achilles tendinopathy or tendinitis

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Foot drop

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Select cases of diabetic osteoarthropathy

During your consultation, a podiatrist may recommend using an Ankle Foot Orthotic (AFO). This specialized device supports and controls the foot, ankle, and lower limb to address chronic conditions. It corrects bone and joint deformities like severe flatfoot and compensates for lower limb weakness, allowing for more controlled and corrected motion. Additionally, wearing an AFO can help correct lower limb spasticity or muscle tightness by positioning the muscles more normally.

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Modern AFO designs have evolved significantly from traditional rigid models. They are now highly specialized to accommodate a wide range of foot and ankle deformities, helping patients achieve a more natural walking stride. These new devices are custom-made with articulated lower leg supports, effectively stabilizing rotational forces at key joints like the midfoot, ankle, and lower leg.

The prescription of an AFO can adjust movement in different planes—forward/backward, side-to-side, and rotational—depending on the patient’s needs. They are available in rigid, semi-rigid, or dynamic configurations, tailored with a detailed mold of the foot and ankle before being made and prescribed. Given their technical complexity compared to standard foot orthotics, these AFOs require careful monitoring after fitting.

Each AFO incorporates a fully customized foot orthotic that extends up the leg, taking into account both static and dynamic biomechanics to ensure comfort and functionality. Despite their advanced capabilities, these devices are lightweight and designed to be low-profile, making them easy and comfortable to wear.

Advantages of an AFO

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Promotes a natural walking pattern.

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Enhances strength and stability to manage twisting forces.

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Suitable when foot orthotics aren't ideal.

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Lightweight, modern, and low-profile design enhances strength and stability, prevents pressure at critical points, and supports normal walking.

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Special casting design prevents pressure sores and allows calf expansion.

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Lower profile compared to traditional plastic AFOs.

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Improved airflow for cool comfort.

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Rapidly increasing the intensity of your activities

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Accommodates diverse needs with extensive customization options.

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Offers reliable and cost-effective solutions for various clinical requirements.

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