A brace designed to aid in controlling the motion of the ankle joint and give stability to the foot giving control of both major joints of the foot. The AFO can be fabricated with various materials including polypropylene plastic or metal and leather design.
Molded plastic is most commonly used for the AFO, but in the event of edema (swelling) or skin integrity issues, metal and leather design attached to a shoe can be used successfully.
The molded plastic AFO can be solid ankle or the use of joints at the ankle can be incorporated. This design fits inside an extra depth shoe, preferably lace up style.
ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS
Drop Foot
Peroneal Nerve Injury
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
Ankle Sprains, Strains
Tendonitis
Lateral Ankle Instability
Flatfoot
Arthritis
Polio
Charcot-Marie-Tooth
Charcot Joint
Cerebral Palsy
Muscular Dystrophy
Tibial or Fibular Fracture
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
WEARING PROTOCOL
Your physician will give specific instructions as to your particular protocol, but normally the brace is to be worn when active and ambulating if a functional design.
If non-ambulatory, the AFO can be used to prevent ankle contractures and keep the ankle and foot in a proper position.
DON AND DOFF INSTRUCTIONS
The plastic design should be placed in the shoe and the foot slipped into the brace securely.
The metal and leather design is attached to a shoe with a receptacle called a caliper.