How to Secure an Ankle fOot Orthosis (AFO) | Devices

What is Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)

"Ankle-foot orthosis: A brace, usually made of plastic, that is worn on the lower leg and foot to support the ankle, hold the foot and ankle in the correct position and correct foot drop" (ctto)

AFO is the most commonly prescribed and used by children with Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy that’s why we are constant in using this device while waiting for Theo’s operation.

There are 5 types of AFO and the Rigid AFO is the one that they will make for Theo to properly stabilize his ankles’ position especially that clonus and spasticity are present and to achieve the 90 degree positioning of Theo’s feet.

Sir Toby Hernandez, who is a Prosthetist and Orthotist or PO assessed not only my concern but he assessed Theo generally. He noticed that his upper back on the right side has bump, left leg is much longer that the right leg because of his Hip dysplasia, Theo’s hands are both weak resulting to dropped position, his right foot has more clonus than the left as well as the spasticity which, the assessment, are correlated to the neuropedia’s, physical therapist’s assesment and my observation.

PO Toby advised me to sustain the use of handbraces that Theo is using, to have a finger splint and maintain the 90 degree leg position while sitting to avoid upward position of the ankle and foot. I use our chest harness to compensate the right positioning of his right upper back to get the right posture of his trunk to avoid and control the possible deformities.

The following are also the benefits of wearing AFO based on our experience:

1. To avoid deformities
2. To promote stability
3. To be able to step repeatedly
4. To support the proper alignment of the foot and ankle
5. To be able to stand safely
6. It controls open thigh position

To know more about the benefits of wearing or using different kind of orthosis, please directly DM or PM the Exceed Prosthetics and Orthotics Philippines Inc.

Here’s how we can secure an AFO and the requirements needed and what to expect while you are in the Orthotics clinic:

(Important: Set an appointment especially during this pandemic.)

1. Bring all the requirements
°referrals
°clinical abstract
°PWD, if any
2. Registration
3. Assessment
4. Casting
°wrapping
° measurments
° molding
5. cleaning
7. Choosing of prints
8. Will go back after 2 weeks for fitting

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