Orthotics department

Adult Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs)

Information for patients and carers

Why do I need an AFO?

AFOs are prescribed for a number of reasons including:

• To support your ankle and foot when muscles are weak.
• To prevent abnormal movement.
• To protect your lower leg.
• To reduce pain.

Your AFO is designed to provide support and comfort. They are also designed to improve your walking pattern.

It is prescribed and manufactured for your specific needs.

Your AFO will usually fit along the back of your leg around your ankle and under your foot. It is held on with Velcro fastening straps. AFOs are a close-fitting support that goes into the shoe to offer control to the foot and ankle.

Fitting

• When putting on your AFO make sure your heel is right to the back and bottom of the device. The straps should be pulled snug to make sure the AFO does not move around, but not so tight that they are uncomfortable.
• You should wear the AFO over a long (knee high) sock or stocking to protect your skin; make sure there are no creases in them.
• Fasten the calf strap. (Depending on the style of your AFO you may have less or more straps).
• Your Orthotist will advise you on the best way to fit your AFO.
• Lastly, work the shoe on with a twisting motion and be sure you tie them securely..

Wearing your AFO

You need to give yourself time to get used to your AFO. Build up the amount of time you wear it each day until it is comfortable.

Once it has been broken in you should aim to wear it as much as possible for control and support.

Caution

Footwear

Your AFO should always be used in a shoe. The shoes need to have laces or a Velcro fastening. This will improve control by helping to hold your foot onto the orthosis. The lower down the tongue of the shoe, the easier it will be to put over the AFO. Make sure it is positioned at the back of your footwear when putting it on.

Most footwear have removable inlays. These can be taken out and replaced with your AFO should you need extra depth and room to accommodate the device.

Take your AFO with you when you are buying new shoes. If your AFO will not fit into your shoes you may need to go for half or a whole size bigger.

Footwear should not have a heel height of more than approximately 2.5cm/1 inch.

Maintenance

Due to the intimate fit of the AFO, it is very difficult to keep it absolutely clean.

• Never place the AFO fully into water.
• Plastic and foam parts can be cleaned with a warm, soapy cloth and dried.
• Leather components should not be cleaned. They should be wiped with warm water and soft cloth, but soap should not be used.
• Allow to air dry if the orthosis becomes wet and do not wear until dry.
• Do not place on or near a heat source.
• Do not attempt to alter, cut or modify your AFO in any way.
• If the AFO needs repairing, please contact the Orthotics Department for servicing.
• You do not need an appointment or a referral for simple repairs. Just drop them off between 8.30am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday.
• We will contact you when your device is ready for collection. This is usually around 2-3 weeks

If you are having any problems with your AFOs, please contact the department.

Please note:

• Adults are entitled to 2 AFOs at any one time.
• If you have a pair then you will be provided with a second pair at any one time for maintenance purposes

Please bring your AFOs to every future appointment, even if they are no longer worn due to pain, damage or no longer fit. This way the Orthotist can check the fit of the AFOs and adjust or repair them if necessary.

Our opening hours are:

Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.00pm
Contact us on 01274 082929

Orthotics Department
Level 6
West Riding House
41 Cheapside
Bradford
BD1 2NB