How to Use an Ankle Brace

By eHow Health Editor

Rate: (2 Ratings)

Weakness of the ankle and foot can affect the way your body moves. An ankle foot orthosis (AFO), or brace, will help correct your walk.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Ankle Foot Orthoses

Step1
Ask your doctor or physical therapist to evaluate the strength of your lower leg. If a brace is needed, have the doctor write a prescription. Take your prescription to an orthotist (a person who makes braces).
Step2
Fit your thermoplastic AFO inside your shoe.
Step3
Slip the AFO underneath your foot.
Step4
Lift the AFO up to your mid-calf.
Step5
Use the Velcro strap to position the brace around your calf.
Step6
Visit your orthotist for adjustments until you have a proper fit. Expect it to feel awkward at first.
Step7
Prevent skin problems from occurring with your new brace by following a "wearing" schedule. Wear your brace one hour the first day, and increase the time you wear your brace each day.
Step8
Always check your foot and lower leg for any areas of redness when you remove your brace.
Step9
Notify your orthotist or doctor if red areas do not go away after 20 minutes.
Step10
Adjust your AFO by loosening the Velcro straps if you notice redness or if your AFO feels uncomfortable.

Tips & Warnings

  • AFOs can be custom-made or off-the-shelf (prefabricated). A custom-made AFO will provide a closer fit.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Comments

| View All Comments
Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 8/8/2006 If you live in a hot climate as do i then you will soon discover if you were mislead by your orthorist or doctor into acceptance of a plastic brace and now you face hot weather .I did this for over ten years . But when I complained to both my doctor and my orthosist I finally got a steel and leather caliper brace which is attached to my shoe and actually only makes contact with the leg at one point.
Rose Gibson

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 If you live in a hot climate as do i then you will soon discover if you were mislead by your orthorist or doctor into acceptance of a plastic brace and now you face hot weather .I did this for over ten years . But when I complained to both my doctor and my orthosist I finally got a steel and leather caliper brace which is attached to my shoe and actually only makes contact with the leg at one point.
Rose Gibson

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 take an impression from the cast by filling it with plaster. next buildup areas that you want to relieve of pressure (such as bony prominences) by adding more plaster on the positive mold(such as on the malleoli)
next, remove plaster from areas where you want to exert more pressure on..
next, thermoform some polypropylene or other plastic material while melted .this way you will get the exact contour and fit of the leg when the plastic cools.

View All

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article: How to Use an Ankle Brace

eHow Health Editor

eHow Health Editor

Category: Health

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads

Health

DrJewell
Meet DrJewell eHow’s Health Expert.