How to Use an AFO
Weak or injured ankles can affect the way you step, stand and move. A number of ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are available to help correct your stride and heal your ankle without permanent injury or alteration, depending on what you need. Many AFOs are also designed as corrective braces for children with developmental foot problems, such being pigeon-toed. It is important to find the right style of brace and use it properly to correct your ankle problems without complications.
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Instructions
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Visit your doctor about your ankle problems to get a proper diagnosis.
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Fit the AFO comfortably to your foot. Depending on your diagnosis, the AFO may be worn inside or outside your shoe, or it could replace your shoe altogether. Broken or sprained ankles will probably need solid AFOs to protect the ankle, but braces to correct an ankle irregularity can most often be hinged.
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Ease yourself into use of the brace. Going immediately from not wearing a brace to a 24-hour attachment can cause skin problems. Gradually increase the time spent in your AFO to acclimate your skin.
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Visit your doctor, orthopedist or podiatrist for adjustments in the wear of your AFO. As you walk in it, the original fit will probably become loose or uncomfortable.
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Adjust the Velcro straps on your AFO if redness appears on your foot and does not disappear 20 minutes after the brace is removed. This could be a sign of a skin problem or excessive pressure being placed on part of your foot or ankle.
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Wear the brace according to your doctor's orders. Removing your brace prematurely could counteract the progress made on the ankle, forcing your ankle to heal improperly or failing to correct the problem and resulting in more overall time spent in the brace.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose a custom-fit AFO over a generic off-the-shelf AFO, if possible. Custom-fit AFOs are more comfortable, provide more support and may increase your rate of healing or repair.
References
- Photo Credit Photo courtesy of cole24_ on Flickr
