The Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFO) is a common orthotic used to brace the ankle for children with impaired ankle function. AFOs are typically used for children with difficulty standing or walking due to ankle strength or positioning, or for children after a foot or ankle surgery. If your child is having difficulty with standing or walking, AFO bracing may be an option.
Types
A variety of AFOs are used for children; the right type for your child will be determined by your child's developmental issues. The most common AFOs, according to the American Physical Therapy Association, are the Standard or Solid Ankle AFO (SAFO); the Hinged or Articulated AFO (HAFO) and the Dynamic AFO (DAFO).
Benefits
AFOs can provide stability to the ankle joint. According to Dr. David Thompson, Associate Professor in Physical Therapy at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Professor, when walking, the AFO will substitute for weak dorsiflexors and plantar flexors. This allows your child to stand and swing his leg safely without worrying about the ankle joint failing and the child being injured.
Fitting
Most AFOs are custom-made for your child and his legs. The American Physical Therapy Association states that many physical therapists are trained in the fit and measuring of orthoses such as AFOs. Once your child is measured, a certified orthotist will create the AFOs and then your child's physical therapist will confirm the AFO fits as desired. Sometimes, your physical therapist may have a non-custom pair for your child to use in an acute situation.
Considerations
A number of options are available in AFOs to help your child both like the AFOs and help them improve as well. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, some AFO braces are designed to provide maximum support when first delivered, and then your child's physical therapist to decrease the support as your child's stability improves. Most orthotists offer your child the choice in designs and colors; this personalization can help your child feel more like the orthoses are something he wants to wear.
Warning
AFO braces are not a substitute for physical therapy. They are designed to be used in conjunction with a physical therapy regimen so that your child's ankles and feet grow in strength. Without the therapy, your child's underlying condition may not properly improve.
References
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center: Gait Adaptations to Passive Dynamic Ankle-Foot Orthosis Use
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center: Ankle Foot Orthosis Care
- American Physical Therapy Association: Using Evidence to Select an AFO for Children with Cerebral Palsy
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences: The Effects of an Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) on Ankle and Knee Biomechanics during Walking
- American Physical Therapy Association: Foundations of Pediatric Orthotics
