About this topic
Foot drop is a problem when someone has trouble lifting up the front part of the foot. This may cause the foot to drag when walking. Your doctor may order a brace for your foot and ankle to make it easier for you to walk. Wearing the brace may also lower your chance of falling. This is called an ankle-foot orthosis or AFO. Most AFOs are made of plastic and have Velcro straps to hold them in place. This brace is designed to be worn with a sturdy shoe. ‚
General
When you first get your AFO, it will take some time to get used to wearing it. You will need to slowly increase the time you wear it. Start with an hour and build up the time each day by 1 hour. ‚
- Always wear a sock on your foot when wearing the AFO. Be sure the sock is pulled up so there are no wrinkles.
- You may need a shoe 1/2 size larger than your normal size when you wear your AFO.
- To put on your AFO, loosen your shoelaces or Velcro on your shoe. Make the opening as wide as possible. Then you can either:
- Slide the AFO into the shoe. Next, slide your foot into the AFO and shoe. A long handled shoe horn may help make this easier. OR
- Put your AFO on your foot and leg. Be sure the heel is all the way back in the brace. Fasten the Velcro strap on the calf. Slide your foot and AFO into the shoe.
- Close the Velcro straps on the AFO. Tie up or fasten your shoe.
Will there be any other care needed?
Use a mirror to check the bottoms of your feet and heels for redness or sores. You can also ask someone to check your feet for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Redness or areas of irritation
- Open sores
- Numbness or tingling in the feet
When do I need to call the doctor?
Call the orthotist or the person who fitted you with the brace if you have any of the following problems: ‚
- Redness or areas of irritation
- Open sores
- Numbness or tingling in the feet
- Foot slides inside the brace
Helpful tips
- Do not walk in your AFO without a shoe. This is designed to be worn with a shoe. Walking on the plastic AFO can damage the AFO and put you at risk for falling on the slippery plastic.
- Never sleep in your AFO.
- Remove excess lint from the Velcro straps to make sure they stick well.
- Clean your AFO often by either:
- Wiping it down with a damp rag and mild dish soap
- Spraying it with rubbing alcohol and wiping it off with a cloth
- Swelling can affect the fit of the AFO. If you have swelling problems, be sure to prop up your feet when you are not walking.
Where can I learn more?
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/foot-drop/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚