Ankle-foot orthoses are commonly used for people who are suffering from foot and ankle problems. They are designed to help control the ankle's motion and to support the foot. Orthoses are typically made out of molded plastic and can be used to treat drop-foot syndrome, tendonitis, nerve damage, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, arthritis and ankle instability. In some cases, however, these orthoses can cause significant discomfort or irritation that can cause people to stop wearing them.
Step 1
Wear thicker socks and extra padding. Thicker socks will help provide extra cushioning and may be able to prevent irritation and discomfort caused by ankle-foot orthosis. Applying extra padding (using gauze or felt pieces) to the areas that are feeling irritated can also help.
Step 2
Get multiple orthoses. Your podiatrist may be able to recommend different kinds of orthoses for different kinds of activities and shoes. For example, an orthosis that works well for running while wearing athletic shoes may not be as comfortable for going to a formal dinner while wearing dress shoes. Your doctor may recommend wearing shoe inserts instead of the orthosis for some activities.
Step 3
Get a custom-made orthosis. According to a discussion in Podiatry Today, patients who receive custom-made orthoses find them to be more comfortable than standard-issue ones.
Step 4
Wear shoes that fit properly. One of the most common causes of orthosis discomfort is shoes that the orthosis does not fit into or that are not appropriate for the foot problem. In some cases, you may need to purchase pairs of shoes in which one shoe is larger than the other.
Step 5
Have your orthosis modified. Most podiatrists can grind grooves or modify portions of the orthosis to help relieve discomfort that the orthosis is causing. For many kinds of discomfort, this is a relatively fast procedure that can make a big difference in comfort.
Things You'll Need
- Thick socks
- Gauze or felt
