Ankle-Foot Orthoses are a particular kind of aid that, as the name implies, covers the foot and ankle. AFOs can be classified as either flexible, stiff, or jointed. Each gadget has unique benefits and drawbacks. The creation of a device that finally allows the patient to reach their highest functional level is the orthotist's main objective. Therefore, the device should promote the highest level of compliance with use and aid the patient in achieving their highest level of functional ability – it should not inhibit the patient.
AFOs come in a wide variety of kinds, which will be covered here. An accurate evaluation of the patient's demands is essential because each device has indications and contraindications. Both custom-made and off-the-shelf AFOs have a place in the process of rehabilitation.
Different AFOs
- Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)
- Ground Reaction Ankle-Foot Orthosis, or GRAFO
- Dynamic ankle-foot orthoses are called DAFOs,
- while supramalleolar orthoses are called SMOs.
Creating patient treatment programmes is not a one-size-fits-all endeavour, and brand counts just as much as when purchasing a pair of clothes or a car.
You look after numerous patients. And each person has a different condition, setbacks, requirements, and objectives. You cannot simply follow a predetermined course of treatment and hope for the best. The only method to get the best results in terms of health is often through personalised treatment plans.
When selecting an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) as a component of your patient's rehabilitation, recovery, and pain management strategy, we advise using the same tailored strategy. Your judgement regarding whether an AFO will be helpful and, if so, which one will work best for a certain patient should be influenced by a number of different criteria.
Basics of AFO
By supporting weak muscles, an AFO helps patients walk more naturally by lowering, stopping, or restricting the movement of their lower legs and feet. They support the preservation of joint alignment, allow for deformity, and lessen spasticity.
When worn with shoes and stockings, an AFO stretches from the top of the calf above the ankle. Just above the ankle, it is tied at the lower thigh.
When a patient may gain functional benefit from using the device and has weakness or deformity of the foot or ankle, the device may be deemed medically required.
AFOs work well for treating patients who have conditions like:
- Ankle dorsiflexion (upward motion)
- Plantar fasciitis (moving downward)
- (Turning inward or outward) inversion and eversion
- Spastic diplegia as a result of CP
- Due to poliomyelitis, lower motor neuron impairment exists.
- hemiplegic spasticity with cerebral infarction
- diabetic nerve damage
- Foot drop (often brought on by ALS, MS, and cerebral palsy)
- Being unable to lift the top of the foot due to foot/ankle contracture
AFOs help with pain management, injury protection, and heel, ankle, or foot healing that is safe and pleasant.
What to Think About When Selecting an AFO
The fact that AFOs are adaptable enough to help with a variety of problems is one of the main reasons they are an important component of lower extremity therapy. Because of their adaptability, AFOs are available in a variety of styles for doctors and patients to choose from.
AFOs come in a variety of sizes, shapes, strengths, and formats. Although difficult, finding the ideal AFO for your patient's needs is not impossible. When selecting an AFO that is most suited for therapy, we work with healthcare professionals to give them with resources and information that enable them to make the most informed choices possible.
Here are some crucial guidelines to bear in mind while choosing the ideal AFO for your patient:
1. Size and Form
When purchasing an AFO, size and shape are important, much like when buying shoes or apparel. They come in a variety of formats. Some are sparse and only partially encircle the foot and ankle. Some are thicker and encircle the entire foot and ankle.
The condition and requirements of your patient will assist decide the type of foot covers required. Before investing in an AFO, you should discuss this issue with your patient, their therapist, and other members of the treatment team.
2. Construction AFO
AFOs come in a variety of compositions, or material combinations. Basic AFOs are typically made of a strong yet lightweight plastic that supports the foot and is still easily portable. These are made to help the patient stay as mobile and independent as they can while recovering.
Other AFOs merge with the plastic parts of the boot and are made of thick fabric or metal. These boots often weigh a little bit more than the lightweight plastic ones but offer the patient more protection and foot coverage. These AFOs are sometimes most effective for people with severe illnesses and people who have stronger lower bodies and may need a more substantial AFO.
3. Use of Shoes or No Shoes
One of two formats is used by the majority of AFOs. The first format's boot is light and thin, allowing the patient to use it for rehabilitation while wearing a standard walking shoe.
Other footwear that more completely encircles the foot is intended to serve as both a walking boot and a sleeping boot. You might wish to suggest one format over another depending on your patient's health.
4. Upkeep and Replacement Parts
Patients who use AFOs do so practically constantly. They must therefore be extremely strong and able to withstand normal wear and tear. However, maintenance will be required for even the best-built AFO.
Having ready access to replacement components is essential to keeping them in good operating order. Make sure your patient can receive replacement straps and clasps when selecting an AFO because they are the parts that wear out the fastest. Additionally, some manufacturers sell new boots or other replacement parts that can be bought afterwards. Because recovery takes time, your patient should be able to maintain the functionality of their AFO by obtaining replacement parts as needed.
5. Choosing a Trustworthy Brand
There are numerous AFO producers worldwide. Anatomical Concepts, a market leader in prefabricated and custom-made medical devices for the upper and lower extremities, employs a multidisciplinary approach to therapy, working closely with orthotists, physical therapists, and doctors.