What is Ankle-Foot Orthosis?

An AFO (ankle-foot orthosis), or a drop foot brace, is an orthopedic device worn on the foot or lower leg to support and stabilize the foot and ankle. It keeps both in a natural position and enables the patient to walk or stand comfortably.

An AFO is designed to address different foot and ankle conditions, protect the foot, help improve mobility, and reduce pain. Doctors usually prescribe AFO brace to address foot drop conditions. HPFY offers a huge range of AFO braces for foot drop and other ankle and foot conditions from top brands.

Uses

An ankle-foot orthosis supports the ankle, foot, and lower leg and helps improve walking patterns. AFO braces are used to manage conditions such as foot drop, weak ankles, and gait abnormalities. They are also used to provide stability following an injury, surgery, or in cases of neuromuscular disorders.

Benefits of AFO include the following:

helps with foot drop
provides support and stability to weak feet and ankles
improves gait and balance
reduces pain, swelling, and discomfort from a condition or after surgery
helps prevent further damage or injury to the foot and ankle during recovery
provides extra support during activities that require increased mobility
provides relief from foot pain caused by arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, or neuropathy
limits the motion of the ankle and foot depending on the injury and disease

What is Drop Foot?

Drop foot is a condition in which a person has difficulty lifting the front part of their foot, which can cause the toes to drag when walking. It can be caused by muscle weakness, nerve damage, or an injury.

Drop Foot

Some of the conditions that may cause foot drop

stroke
cerebral palsy
multiple sclerosis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
spinal cord injury
sciatica
partial foot amputation
muscular dystrophy

AFO Brace For Foot Drop

An Ankle Foot Orthosis Brace helps the foot drop condition by providing mechanical support to the ankle and preventing the foot from dropping. The AFO brace supports the ankle and keeps the toes aligned with the rest of the foot rather than allowing them to drag.

This helps the person with foot drop to walk more easily and safely. The brace also corrects any misalignment of the lower leg and foot, which helps to reduce the risk of further injury.

Types of AFO

Solid/rigid AFO: Solid AFO completely limits ankle joint movement and provides maximum ankle stability. It can be used to treat foot drop, heel eversion or inversion, excessive pronation, and knee instability.
Hinged (articulated) AFO: The articulated model allows for some ankle flexion. It can be created with a molded inner bootie to help reduce tone by providing improved foot alignment.
Posterior Leaf Spring AFO: It is a smaller and more mobile AFO. It is a rigid AFO with a flexible posterior foot plate that allows ankle flexibility and passive ankle dorsiflexion during the stance phase. This provides smoother knee-ankle motion when walking.

Wearing an AFO Brace

Place the AFO in front of you.
Place your foot into the orthosis and make sure the foot is firmly seated in the orthosis.
Wrap the straps around the ankle and foot and secure them.
Adjust the straps so that they are snug but not too tight.
Check the fit and ensure the orthosis does not move or shift when you stand or walk.
Stand up and walk around to check for comfort.
Make adjustments as necessary.

Where to buy an Ankle Foot Orthosis Brace online?

Users of AFO braces find that they help reduce the risk of falling, improve balance, and help with weak lower leg muscles. At Health Products For You, you will get the best braces for foot drop from top-selling manufacturers like Trulife, Royce Medical, Deroyal, Patterson Medical, etc., at the most affordable prices.