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1.) What is an Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)?

These braces are designed to help provide support  [http://www.vivofoundation.net/2012/09/09/the-guide-on-hyperextended-knee/ dig this]  to a patient's foot and ankle. This means that if a person has some trouble walking, then these braces can be used to smooth out their walking process. These supports are used everyday, to help people walk around better. The reason why many people do not know about them is because they are easily hidden with the use of a pair of pants and usually fit inside of a person's shoe. Yes, they are made sleek for a reason.

Usually, Ankle Foot Orthoses are made from plastic, but they can be made from metal and leather depending on the person's current condition. Typically, a person will get a custom plastic AFO and they can fit into the person's shoe. However, off-the-shelf AFOs exisit and need to be usually customized to the patient's size and shape.

2.) In What Ways Does An AFO Help Someone Walk Better?

A.) Holding Up the Foot While Walking

Traditional AFOs have more than one purpose. They can hold the patient's foot and ankle in a position when they walk that helps to avoid foot drop. This is a great thing to avoid when you want to walk without dragging your toes. It is typically not an uncomfortable feeling for people to have their foot secured in this way either. The only way it would be difficult for most people is if they are used to being in a contracted state and the brace was made in a neutral ankle setting.

B.) Side to Side Stability

When a person has side to side instability at the ankle, an AFO can also help them. For example, if you know someone that has a tendency to roll their ankle (or already has rolled their ankle) then this brace may be indicated. What happens is that they brace will hold the foot and ankle in a secure manner to help stop excessive movements, as are seen when someone rolls their ankle.

C.) Knee Stability

Although the support is indirect, the lever arm that is part of an AFO can really help to support the knee. How? - It does this by using the height of the braces as a knee hyperextension inhibitor. Ok, in English this means that the brace will help to stop the snapping back movement of a hyperextended knee because it is tall enough to assist in this fashion. Also, if the ankle is set at a neutral position of 90 degrees, then the knee is less likely to buckle or hyperextend. In this way, a brace like the AFO can be of great assistance to the patient.

Note: This is health information. Although it is useful information, we do have to direct you to your local, licensed orthotist for medical advice on bracing.