Written by Megan Smith, PT
Ankle Foot Orthoses or AFOs, are specialized medical devices designed for the treatment of various conditions and/or injuries to the ankle and foot.
Recognizable for their unique, L-shaped appearance, AFOs act as a protective device during the healing process, helping facilitate the safe, comfortable healing of conditions and injuries to the heel, ankle, or foot. Additionally, they can be used to manage contracture in conditions such as plantar fasciitis and to assist patients with foot drop problems.
Foot drop (also sometimes referred to as drop foot) is a common symptom that can result from various conditions including ALS, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and many others. It is characterized by an inability to lift the toes and/or foot from the ankle and causes patients to have difficulty walking, as their feet naturally drag. An AFO assists by providing a firm, planted support for the foot that prevents dragging and promotes a healthy step.
Because of their value in helping with a multitude of conditions for an equally diverse selection of patients, AFOs are available in a number of different formats, shapes, strengths, and sizes. Naturally, with a diverse selection, finding the right product for your needs might feel like a challenge. With that in mind, here are a few important tips to consider when looking into a purchase.
Naturally, when purchasing a product that will fit your foot size, considering the size of the product is crucial. However, the shape of an AFO is equally important for consideration. AFOs are available in multiple different formats. Some are thin and only cover a small portion of the foot and ankle, while others may be thicker and surround the entire ankle and foot.
Depending on the condition and the needs of the patient, different coverage might be necessary. This is an important topic to discuss with your doctor before making your purchase, as they will be able to make sure you know what type of AFO you need.
Just as how different AFOs have different sizes and shapes, they also have different compositions. Many basic AFOs are made from a durable plastic that supports the foot while remaining lightweight enough to allow for easy lifting. Other AFOs, however, have thick fabric or even metal stays that integrate with the plastic portions of the boot. These boots are often slightly heavier, but provide a more extensive degree of coverage and protection to the user. Depending on the severity of your condition, and your lower body strength, you may require a more robust AFO, or prefer a more lightweight model.
As you might expect, for a product such as an AFO that is attached to the foot, keeping the weight of the device as low as possible is crucial. To make sure that the boot does not weigh down the foot of its user, most products are designed to be as lightweight as possible while still providing maximum protection and walking assistance. However, depending on the needs of you or your loved one, it may be worth checking the overall weight of a product before making a purchase to ensure that you will not have any issues lifting the boot while walking.
Most AFOs usually have one of two possible formats. In the first, the boot is light and thin, which allows the patient to wear it along with a normal walking shoe. Other boots, however, more extensively surround the foot and therefore are designed to be both the supportive boot and the shoe that surrounds the foot. Depending on your doctor’s recommendation, one format might be preferred over the other, and it is, therefore, worth considering before buying.
Because of frequent use, even the most durable of AFOs will experience some wear and tear over time. In light of this, many products are designed to have easily replaceable parts—especially parts such as straps and clasps, which tend to experience the most wear. These products will typically offer replacement parts with the boot itself or as a separate package that can be purchased later. Either way, it’s an easy, convenient tool to make sure that you get the most out of your AFO, especially if you’ll be needing the AFO for a long period of recovery.
AFOs represent a valuable, assistive tool that can be a great help for a variety of patients—especially those who experience drop foot as a symptom of a larger condition. Rehabmart features a large selection of high-quality AFOs from trusted medical equipment manufacturers such as United Ortho, Restorative Care of America, DeRoyal, and Allard. So whether you are looking for more information on AFOs or you’re ready to order, visit Rehabmart’s full selection of AFOs to get started.
Megan has been a part of Rehabmart since its inception nearly 20 years ago. For the past several years she has been enjoying her role as HR Director while maintaining her Physical Therapy license. When she isn't working on her next in-service or working to find a new team member, she enjoys her five children, helping those who have PT type ailments, baking, practicing yoga, and working out.
 for Foot Drop and Instability "Supra-Lite Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) for Foot Drop and Instability")
