Overview
Ankle foot orthosis
An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is a device that helps support your ankle and foot. It also helps control movement in your knee and hip, making it easier to stand, balance, and walk, which can reduce pain and discomfort.
AFOs are designed to have a close fit, especially around the ankle bones. They can be made from different types of material, depending on the type of support needed.
Your AFO fastens with a Velcro™ strap at the calf.
If you need more support, you might also need to wear a heel retaining strap, which covers the front part of your ankle.
You may also need an extra strap at the front part of your foot, near your toes (forefoot), depending on how much control is needed.
Some AFOs may also have additional pads in them.
How to put on your AFO
With a heel-retaining strap
Follow these instructions if you have been given an AFO with a heel retaining strap.
1. Make sure your knee is bent.
2. Hold your AFO behind your leg, and place your heel firmly into it.
3. Make sure your heel is firmly in contact with the heel of the AFO, and raise your toes up towards your knee as much as possible.
4. Fasten the heel-retaining strap firmly. If there is a forefoot strap, fasten this firmly too.
5. Fasten the calf strap.
6. Your footwear can now be put on over the AFO, and should be fastened snugly.
Without a heel-retaining strap
Follow these instructions if you have been given an AFO without a heel retaining strap.
1. Place your AFO inside your shoe, with the back of the AFO touching the back of your footwear.
2. Your knee should be bent, with your AFO behind your leg.
3. Put your toes into your footwear.
4. The AFO can then be used like a shoehorn. Push down with your foot, until your foot and heel are firmly in contact with the AFO.
5. Fasten your footwear, and calf strap.
When to wear your AFO
Your orthotist will tell you when to wear your AFO. At first you should wear it for small amounts of time at home.
Choosing footwear
Your AFO will usually fit into any type of footwear, as long as it is wide and deep enough.
Choose footwear with either laces or Velcro straps to make sure your AFO fits well and stays securely in place.
Some shoes and boots come with insoles. You should take out the insole to make more space for your AFO.
Maintaining your AFO
At some point, your AFO will need some repairs. This may include replacing straps and any padding. If your AFO is damaged, please contact the orthotics service who will arrange the repairs for you.
Please do not try to make any changes or repairs to the AFO yourself.
Looking after your AFO
Do
- wear socks when wearing your AFO, to help protect your skin
- wear the AFO as instructed by your orthotist
- check your skin after wearing your AFO. If it is difficult to do this yourself, you can use a mirror or ask someone else to check for you
- wear suitable footwear
- clean your AFO with a sponge dipped in warm, soapy water, and towel dry
- check your AFO regularly for signs of wear, such as loose rivets, worn out Velcro straps, or cracked plastic
- have your AFO checked regularly, as advised by your orthotist
Do not
- do not place near sources of heat or extreme cold temperatures
- do not try to adjust or modify your AFO
- do not cut, file or damage your AFO
- do not wear the AFO with slip-on, shallow or high-heeled shoes
Driving
If you drive, it is recommended that you contact your insurance company to make sure that you are covered while you're wearing an AFO.
When to get help
The close fit of your AFO can cause mild redness to the skin where pressure is applied. This is normal.
Contact the orthotics service as soon as possible if:
- you notice skin redness that lasts longer than 30 minutes. This can be harder to see on brown or black skin
- you notice any breaks in your skin, such as sores or blisters
- you have any pain, irritation, or notice increased rubbing of the skin
Resource number: 4390/VER2
Last reviewed: October 2024
Next review due: October 2027
