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 correct the condition known as “drop foot”, often caused by a stroke.
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?
A top quality, well-constructed AFO ankle brace will make the world of difference to the way you feel and the way you walk.
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 either buy AFOs OTC (over the counter), or have them custom made via special order. The choice is yours.
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 both men’s and women’s sizes and styles, and is a great 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
· Made be further formed using a heat gun
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
Whether you’re looking for an AFO brace to treat an old, reoccurring injury, or whether it’s to remedy a condition, such as wearing an ankle brace for tendonitis, there’s no doubt that they help.
Alimed’s innovative research and development department have designed this AFO brace with cutting-edge solutions.
Give it a try, and you might be pleasantly surprised.
