Different types of AFO braces exist to target numerous problems of the foot and lower leg.
Getting familiar with these devices will help you learn more about their benefits and indications.
AFO, or ankle foot orthosis, is a device used to treat a range of foot and ankle injuries and musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.
Now, let’s see which are the most common variations of AFO brace and what they are used for.
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Table of Contents
6 Common Types Of AFOs
There are numerous types of ankle-foot orthosis that a professional can recommend because this device is widely used in the orthotic management of ankle and foot injuries and conditions.
Since not all types of ankle braces are commonly used, we’ll get more into detail about the ones that you’re more likely to need.
Another thing to know is that multiple braces can be prescribed for the same condition.
For example, a study researched solid and hinged braces and their effects on gait in children with cerebral palsy. Both types performed equally well.
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1. Solid
A solid ankle-foot orthosis doesn’t allow any movements and is used to improve the gait patterns of patients, including forefoot abduction, excessive pronation, better ankle stability, and more.
This is usually a custom-made device, individually fitted for the needs of a patient. The patient can also get a bootie that goes inside the brace to support and improve joint kinematics.
Solid ankle-foot orthoses are larger and bulkier compared to other types of braces, but they are efficient for conditions that require no ankle movement during recovery.
The downside of the solid type is that it can have a negative effect on the knee joint and knee kinematics if the patient is suffering from moderate knee instability.
Before a doctor prescribes one of these devices, he does an in-depth gait analysis to determine which one is the best for the specific case.
Some indications for a solid brace include plantar fasciitis, arthritis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, drop foot, pes plano valgus, Charcot arthropathy, fractures, and more.
2. Hinged
Hinged, or articulated AFOs, come with an adjustable hinge at the ankle. This device is made of two parts, one that covers the foot part and one that covers the tibial part of the lower leg.
The two sections are connected using hinges, and that’s why the device allows limited ankle motion. The hinges control side-to-side, up, and down movements.
Hinged braces don’t permit excessive ankle plantarflexion during the swing phase but will let a patient do ankle dorsiflexion in stance.
There is a wide range of articulated AFOs to choose from, and the best thing is that you can adapt the size of the hinge to the size of your feet.
You should always wear the device with shoes, preferably with Velcro straps. This is recommended because the brace needs extra stability.
Hinged braces are best used for patients with cerebral palsy, cerebrovascular accident, foot drop, medial and lateral instability, hemiplegic patients, and stress fractures.
One common contraindication for articulated braces is excessive ankle dorsiflexion.
This usually appears among older children who have cerebral palsy. That’s why these kids should be treated with a different type of brace.
3. Dynamic
A dynamic brace is made of a more flexible material and has a flexible hinge. Although the device is dynamic, it still provides great support and bigger gait efficiency as the treatment advances.
4. Posterior Leaf Spring
This is a flexible type of brace that permits passive ankle dorsiflexion. The posterior leaf spring ankle foot orthosis is built with a spring placed in the posterior foot plate.
The spring can slightly increase the walking speed of patients and make the experience much easier for them.
Some of the indications that it’s used to treat include unstable gait in patients, mild spastic equinus, foot drop, forefoot abduction, and more.
5. Carbon Fiber
The carbon fiber ankle-foot orthosis is a sagittal plane brace that can work for patients with excessive supination or pronation.
It’s made of carbon fiber and it’s one of the latest medical advancements. This brace is designed with a flat footplate and a foot orthosis.
Thanks to the unique design, the ankle angle, knee, and hip range are slightly elevated.
It’s most suitable for people with mild coronal plane deformity, foot drop, hemiparetic stroke patients, minimal equinus contracture, and more.
6. Ground Reaction
Ground reach ankle-foot orthoses are also known as floor reaction orthoses. They come with an anterior shell that allows a ground reaction and ideal dorsiflexion.
It controls the ankle joint movement and limits heel eversion, crouch gait patterns, forefoot abduction, and excessive pronation.
The best patients for this brace are the ones who suffer from spinal cord injuries, osteoarthritis, spina bifida, PTTD, cerebral palsy, and more.
Related: How to Wear an AFO Brace?
Who Needs An AFO
After looking through your gait perimeters and finding the cause of the ankle and foot injury or other condition, the doctor will be able to give you a diagnosis.
There are numerous indications for ankle foot orthoses, but we want to mention once again the most common ones.
Let’s start with ankle joint injuries and fractures. The next on the list is foot drop, another extremely common reason people might need one of these braces is foot drop.
A large group of indications is neurological and musculoskeletal diseases like cerebral palsy, ALS, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and more.
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Master the process of putting on an AFO brace with our helpful video, “Step-by-Step Guide: How to Put on an AFO Brace Easily!”
FAQs
What are AFO braces used for?
These braces are aids that aim to bring back the normal gait of patients and are used to treat ankle, foot injuries, fractures, ALS, drop foot, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, plantar fasciitis, sprains, patients with stroke, and more.
What is a posterior leaf spring AFO?
A posterior leaf spring brace with a flexible posterior foot plate and a rigid front toe plate. The brace creates energy with every step you make and creates a better, more effortless experience for users.
Conclusion
Knowing all the different types of ankle foot orthoses is excellent, but when the time comes to choose the best AFO, you should talk to a professional.
Treating your condition or injury right, targeting the gait deviation, and correcting the degrees of ankle damage, can only be done with the proper diagnosis.
Some of the braces that we listed today are also divided into other subcategories and come in a variety of designs. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to AFOs; that’s why an orthopedist’s opinion comes first.
References:
- “An Ankle-Foot Orthosis May Improve Your Walking.” n.d. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/ankle-foot-orthosis-2696288
- DALVAND, Hamid, Leila DEHGHAN, Awat FEIZI, Seyed Ali HOSSEINI, and Susan AMIRSALARI. 2013. “The Impacts of Hinged and Solid Ankle-Foot Orthoses on Standing and Walking in Children with Spastic Diplegia.” Iranian Journal of Child Neurology 7 (4): 12–19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3943047/.
- “Lower Extremity Orthotics & AFO’s | Orthotic & Prosthetic Lab, Inc.” n.d. Www.oandplabinc.com. https://www.oandplabinc.com/lower-extremity-orthotics.html.
- “Using AFO: What to Expect?” n.d. Align Clinic. Accessed June 15, 2021. https://www.align-clinic.com/blog/what-is-afo-and-how-does-it-impact-peoples-lives.
- “What Are AFOs and How to Use Them?” n.d. Align Clinic. Accessed June 15, 2021. https://www.align-clinic.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-afos.
What do you think of the different types of AFO braces? Share with us below!
These AFOs are really helpful for patients struggling with foot, ankle, or gait issues.
Thanks!
Is there one which lets me drive?
Hi, certainly. Thank you for your comment. You can pick a hinged AFO: this product offers greater leg/foot mobility which means that driving will be easier. See here: Hinged AFO brace for foot drop | Turbomed Orthotics Intl.
How can I get an AFO for my right Foot for a deform ankle joint with 4 CM shortening of leg.
Dear Sir, thank you lots for your email. I’ve done some research on how you could get assistance and was met with a better awareness: It’s most advised to consult your medical professional as such requires an intrinsic knowledge of correct foot support. I would believe that your medical professional, if not directly, can refer you to an orthopedist, or a physical therapist. They can assess your individual needs and determine if an AFO is appropriate for your condition; should it be, they can assist you best. Perhaps have a chat with your insurance provider (should you have one) and see if they cover this. I wish you a great day ahead and hope this was helpful. =)