AFO
Ankle Foot Orthosis

Your ankle foot orthotic (AFO) is made of a lightweight co-polymer plastic that encompasses your foot and ankle in order to control motion. It has been custom fabricated to meet an intended function based upon your individual needs.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Your AFO must be worn with socks and shoes. Socks are an important barrier between your skin and the AFO. Without shoes you are at significant risk of slipping and falling. Additionally, without shoes the AFO cannot offer its intended support and the device is vulnerable to damage

Putting on the AFO

  • Put on a sock and ensure it's smooth, without any wrinkles, bunching, or folding

  • Sitting with hips and knees flexed, open the foot portion of the brace and gently slide the heel and foot back into place.

  • Make sure the heel is fully seated into the back of the brace

    • Pushing straight down on the flexed knee may be helpful

    • Flex ankle into a slight upward position (dorsiflexion) by pushing up under the forefoot

    • Ensure both straps are firmly tightened and properly attached.

  • If there's excessive movement in the brace, it could be a sign that the straps are too loose.

Break - In Guidelines and Skin Care & Expectations

We recommend the following break-in period to help you adjust to wearing the brace. The duration of this schedule may vary depending on your level of involvement or any past bracing experiences. Make sure to check the foot and ankle for any areas of concern or discomfort.

Typically, after this adjustment period, children can comfortably transition to wearing the brace full-time, including nighttime use, aiming for a total wear time of 23 hours per day.

Break - In Schedule

Skin Care

  • Check for any signs of irritation or redness on the skin each time the orthotics are removed

  • It's typical to notice pinkness along the outside of the foot and arch due to compression of straps and pads

  • Pressure directly on prominent and superficial bones (ex. back of heel and sides of ankle) may cause discomfort and pain and will need to be adjusted

  • Any irritation should subside within 30 minutes of removing brace

  • As you adjust to the new foot position provided by the brace, you might experience reduced balance, increased fatigue, and irritability.

When Adjustments Are Needed

We are here to ensure that your orthotics are fitting and functioning properly. Please contact our office if any of the following issues arise as these concerns may signal the need for a brace adjustment.

  • Any red marks or irritation that does not dissipate within 30 mins after removing the brace. Discontinue wearing if redness or irritation does not disappear

  • Complaints of discomfort from a child, especially after a period of wearing the brace comfortably.

  • Function does not improve after a week of wearing.

  • The orthotics appear too small due to growth

Ex: toes are past the end of the footplate

  • If a physical or occupational therapist is following your child, they can be good references if adjustments are needed.

Shoe

An AFO is designed to be worn with socks and shoes.

Selecting the appropriate shoe is crucial for both fit and function, but it can also be a frustrating process. Below are our recommendations to help in your shoe selection process.

  • Tennis shoe design with laces

  • Flat sole shoes (ex. skateboard style)

  • Adequate width and depth in toe box

  • Removable insoles

  • One size larger than previous shoes

A few brands we like:

CLICK ON THE SHOE IMAGES BELOW TO BE DIRECTED TO THEIR WEBSITES

Walmart Brand : Athletic Works

Friendly Footwear

Ikiki Footwear

New Balance

Stride Rite Footwear

Billy Footwear