AFO Brace: Complete Reviews Guide To Buying An AFO Brace
Contents
An AFO (ankle-foot orthosis) brace, is a support brace that surrounds the ankle and at least part of the foot.
It provides the user with additional support for their feet and ankles.
AFOs have a number of medical-purpose applications, such as supporting weak limbs and positioning a limb with contracted muscles into a more normal position.
They can be an ankle immobilizer for arthritis or a fracture. An AFO brace can also help manage the condition known as “drop foot”, which can follow a stroke, nerve injury or other conditions.
An AFO brace is typically L-shaped. It’s normally either metal, plastic, leather, synthetic, fabrics, or a combination of materials.
Why Would You Need a Good AFO Brace?
The right AFO, fitted well, can make a real difference to the way you walk.
For foot drop, NINDS information notes that lightweight braces and shoe inserts are the most common treatment, often alongside physical therapy.
Specifically designed to assist movement, AFO braces will give your muscles and tendons the support they need.
An AFO ankle brace is usually for extra support for weak muscles, and will also help to control the position of the ankle.
Furthermore, an AFO brace can immobilize the ankle and lower leg in case of arthritis or a fracture.
There are a few differing AFOs that have differing purposes, that I’ll now take you through.
Static AFO
This can be either a rigid or flexible, L-shaped device, with upward support behind the calf.
There’s lower support running under the foot, and supports weakened or paralyzed body parts.
A flexible AFO can provide dorsiflexion assistance to the ankle joint, but doesn’t provide much stability to the subtalar joints.
A rigid AFO can block ankle movements and stabilize the subtalar joint, while a rigid static AFO helps control abduction of the forefoot.
Dynamic AFO
This facilitates body motion to allow for optimal functioning.
A dynamic AFO provides subtalar stabilization, while allowing free ankle dorsiflexion and either free or restricted plantar flexion.
A dynamic AFO is also for the treatment of adult acquired flat foot.
You can buy some AFOs over the counter, or have them custom made.
Because foot drop and ankle weakness have many causes, see a doctor first. An orthotist can then help choose and fit the right type.
Main Features of AFOs
· Control ankle position
· Compensate for muscle weakness caused by stroke, spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and peripheral neuropathy
· Ankle immobilizer in case of fracture or arthritis
· Enhance normal ankle movement
· Increase walking efficiency
· Minimize abnormal gait patterns
· Stabilize ankle and subtalar joint caused by adult acquired flat foot
FREEDOM Swedish AFO by Alimed
The FREEDOM Swedish AFO provides static dorsiflexion assistance and lateral stability for the entire foot and ankle region.
The injection-molded polyethylene splint allows for thicker polyethylene on the vertical, for added rigidity and support on the back.
You can create a thinner footplate by trimming it using household scissors to achieve the ultimate personal fit and comfort.
The streamlined feel is possible thanks to the low arch and open heel and fits easily into any shoe.
A padded hook-and-loop strap help to secure the brace around your calf.
It’s available in men’s and women’s sizes. It is designed mainly for foot drop, so it isn’t a general-purpose ankle brace for tendonitis.
Features
· Provides static dorsiflexion assistance and lateral stability area
· Injection molded for thicker polyethene
· Thinner footplate may be trimmed with ordinary scissors
· Can be heat-formed for fit (a job best left to an orthotist or clinician)
The Not So Great
From some of the reviews that I’ve seen, the most mentioned issue with this AFO brace is that some found it tough to keep sitting comfortably on the leg.
There are some that have mentioned it could be padded at the back to be a little friendlier on the calf.
According to some users, the straps at the top slip down, meaning the wearer to continually have to readjust the brace and its position.
Conclusion
An AFO can help when it matches your condition and fits well.
Ask your doctor or orthotist whether a prefabricated brace like this one suits your needs before you buy.
Sources
- Foot Drop, BrainFacts.org (NINDS information)
