An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is a brace that supports the ankle by holding the foot and ankle in the correct position. Proper position and alignment distribute your body weight and improve balance. Wearing an ankle-foot orthosis can help to...
Plastic leg braces must fit a variety of people. Often made of a thermoplastic moldable material, such braces can be customized to fit. Some examples of plastic leg braces include ankle foot orthosis (AFO) for foot drop, a knee ankle foot orthosis...
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...
Foot drop and leg muscle spasms often occur after a stroke or other brain injury or for people with cerebral palsy, muscular sclerosis or Parkinson's disease. Because of the weakness of your foot and ankle muscles or because of spasms, you will...
Arthritis, a term that refers to the destruction of joints, can occur in many areas of the body including the feet. Left untreated, arthritis can become so painful that it prevents sufferers from participating in routine activities.
Your feet are under a great deal of pressure during a basketball game. Pounding up and down the court can be quite a strain on your joints, particularly the ones in your feet. Your heel could be causing you pain for several underlying reasons. If...
Hemiplegia is a condition resulting in total paralysis of one side of the body. The most common cause of hemiplegia is stroke. While hemiplegia can affect individuals of varying ages, the rehabilitation exercises that will be performed vary...
Tendons in the body attach muscles to bones, stretching across joints to allow you to bend them. One of the most important tendons that support your feet is the posterior tibial. If this tendon becomes torn, you must allow it to heal on its own or...
Many people recover a great deal of function after they have a stroke, but sometimes they still require some assistance with personal care, walking or other daily living skills during the recovery period or indefinitely. Stroke survivors who wish...
Equipment used in orthopedics can be divided into two categories. First are items that are worn. They are used to support and stabilize weak or traumatized body parts and include back braces; cervical collars; wrist, hand and elbow splints; and...
Drop foot or foot drop -- the two terms are interchangeable-- is the condition in which you cannot lift up your forefoot. The front half of your foot may be damaged from either a muscular or nervous system injury, making walking and holding your...
Orthotics are devices used to help with bone and muscle disorders of the ankle and foot. Orthotics come in many varieties, ranging from insoles to be inserted into the shoe to large braces. Orthotics are designed to help correct foot positioning...
