| Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) | |
| Why use it? | An AFO can be used to assist with a patient’s walking. It can be used to directly control the dropped foot during the swing phase of walking. An AFO can also have an impact on the standing phase of walking by directly improving the stability and alignment of the ankle and foot on the ground which in turn may have an impact on the hip, knee and trunk position. |
| When to consider an AFO? | As soon as the patient is medically stable consideration can be given to the provision of an AFO. |
| Cautions | Poor skin condition, marked and fluctuating oedema (swelling), sensory loss, poor circulation, severe spasticity and marked contracture. |
| Rationale | Alan has a dropped foot which causes his foot to catch when he swings his leg through during walking. Additionally when he stands on his leg his knee flicks back. The provision of a custom made AFO will help him swing his leg through during walking and indirectly reduce the flick of his knee into extension on standing. It is hoped that this will improve his gait pattern, independence and balance and reduce the effort of walking and potential for trauma to his knee joint. |
Page last reviewed: 22 Apr 2021
