Orthotics department

Children’s Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs)

Information for patients and carers

This leaflet is for parents, carers or guardians whose child has been supplied with an orthosis that controls the position of the foot and/or ankle. An AFO is a close-fitting support that goes into the shoe. This leaflet should be used as a general guide along with the specific advice provided by your orthotist.

Fitting instructions

Have your child so that they are sitting facing you, open up all the straps and fasten them out of the way.

Pull up their knee-high socks and make sure there are no wrinkles in them.

Bend their knee and turn their foot towards the middle before bringing the foot up.

Place their heel at the back of the AFO, make sure their heel is firmly down before fastening the ankle strap then fasten the ankle strap snugly.

Finally, fasten the top strap.

There may be additional straps, if so, your orthotist will show you how to fasten them.

Lastly, work the shoe on with a twisting motion and be sure you tie them securely.

AFOs should be worn under trousers or over tights.

It is recommended to use long (knee high) socks. Plain cotton socks with no pattern are ideal. Make sure they are smooth and wrinkle free.

Be sure to fasten the straps securely but not overly tight. Loose AFOs rub more frequently than tight AFOs.

Never let a child walk in an AFO that does not have a non-slip base without shoes on as the plastic on the bottom can be very slippery. We can add non-slip bases to the AFOs if required and clinically safe.

Wearing regime

Wearing the AFO should not hurt but it may feel a little uncomfortable while they get used to it.

Whether this is the first or a replacement AFO the time that it is worn should be built up gradually. If possible, they should wear the AFO for short periods throughout the day.

Any rubs or red marks should fade away after 30 minutes of removing the AFO.

If they do not fade please contact the Orthotics department for a review appointment and leave the orthosis off if safe to do so.

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 they should not be worn until dry.

• Do not place on or near a heat source.

• Do not attempt to alter, cut or modify the AFO in any way.

• If the AFO needs repairing, please contact the Orthotic Department for servicing.

• You do not need an appointment or a referral for simple repairs. They can be dropped off between 8.30am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday.

• We will contact you when the device is ready for collection. This is usually around 3-4 weeks

Children are entitled to one pair of AFOs at any one time, or one AFO if they wear it on just one leg. These will be replaced with growth.

Please bring your child’s AFO(s) 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 AFO(s) and adjust or repair them if necessary.

If your child is experiencing any problems with their AFO(s), please contact the department.

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