Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are specialized medical devices designed to support and enhance the function of the ankle and foot.
The design may include features like a rigid shell for support, dynamic hinges for movement, and adjustable straps for a secure fit. By enhancing the efficiency of walking and preventing abnormal gait patterns, custom AFOs can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with lower limb impairments.
AFOs are mostly custom-made but can be custom fitted off-the-shelf models. The type of AFO to be fitted will depend on your prescription and needs.
Categories
Custom Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)
Our custom-made AFOs are fabricated on-site and may be rigid, articulated, flexible, or dynamic energy storage and return (ESR). Custom characteristics of the braces such as strapping are individually designed to meet the goals of the client.
These custom-made orthoses are tailored to an individual’s specific anatomy, providing personalized support and alignment based on the patient's needs. AFOs are often used to treat conditions such as foot drop, stroke, cerebral palsy, or neurological disorders that affect the lower extremities. Made from a variety of materials including thermoplastic, carbon fiber, or metal, custom AFOs are carefully molded to fit the contours of the foot and leg, improving stability, reducing pain, and aiding in mobility.
Foot drop
Foot drop AFOs are specialized devices designed to assist individuals who have difficulty lifting their foot while walking due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that control ankle dorsiflexion. This condition, known as foot drop, is commonly caused by neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or peroneal nerve palsy.
Foot drop AFOs help by providing support to the foot and ankle, by picking up the foot during the swing phase of gait. The AFO typically includes a rigid or semi-rigid structure that supports the foot in a neutral position, allowing for smoother and safer movement. These orthoses can be custom-made or custom fit ensuring proper alignment and comfort. By improving foot clearance and enhancing gait, foot drop AFOs help individuals regain confidence and independence in their daily activities.
Ankle braces
Ankle braces are devices designed to provide support and stability to the ankle joint, helping to prevent or manage injuries such as sprains, strains, or chronic instability. Ankle orthoses may include features that help limit excessive motion, ensuring the ankle stays in a safe position during physical activity. Ankle stabilizers are commonly used by individuals recovering from ankle injuries to reduce the risk of further damage and promote faster healing while still allowing for functional movement. They are also used by people with hypermobility and ligament instability who experience repeated ankle sprains without support.
Arizona
Arizona AFO’s are a type of custom AFO that is made of a thin plastic covered in a durable leather layer. This is a total contact design that perform similar functions to a custom AFO while also providing more containment of the leg with a more natural interface for people with skin sensitivity.
Cast Walkers
Cast walker boots are medical footwear designed to provide support and protection to the foot and ankle following an injury, such as a fracture, sprain, diabetic wound, or surgery. These boots feature a sturdy, lightweight shell, and a cushioned interior to help immobilize the foot while promoting healing. They are equipped with adjustable straps for a secure fit, and include a rocker sole to assist with a more natural walking motion. Cast walker boots are commonly used as an alternative to traditional casts, offering greater comfort, ease of movement, and the ability to remove the boot for hygiene or rest, while still ensuring stability and protection during recovery.
Crow
A CROW (Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker) boot is a specialized orthopedic device designed to provide protection and support for individuals with foot and ankle conditions, particularly those with diabetic foot ulcers, Charcot foot, or other severe foot deformities. The CROW walker features a rigid, total contact, custom-molded structure that helps offload pressure from the affected areas and reduces the risk of further injury. The CROW walker is commonly used during the healing process to for open wounds or ulcers. The CROW walker will also help to prevent further deformations of the foot and ankle while the Charcot progresses by providing proper foot alignment and protecting the foot while allowing for limited mobility and weightbearing.
Conditons commonly treated with AFos
- Foot drop
- Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
- Spasticity disorders
- Joint contractures
- Clubfoot
- Toe-walking
- Stroke
- Cerebral palsy
- Spinal cord injury
- Charcot
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Charcot Marie Tooth
- Hypermobility
- Nerve palsy's
Orthos Orthopaedic Solutions Inc. is a leading provider of custom-made ankle foot orthosis and state-of-the-art neuromuscular and skeletal devices that enhance mobility and expedite recovery for individuals facing orthopedic challenges. Based in New Westminster, we serve clients across New Westminster, Coquitlam, Surrey, Burnaby, Abbotsford, Vancouver, Langley, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, and Richmond.