It is important to use the right treatment for ankle and foot disorders.
Doctors may prescribe a special brace called an ankle foot orthotic (AFOs) for people suffering from disorders such as drop foot, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, an unstable ankle or problems involving painful or abnormal motion. AFOs can also used in the treatment of children who suffer from cerebral palsy. AFOs are joined to a semi-rigid ankle brace to limit ankle motion and provide support for the feet. There are several of types of AFOs available to help with various disorders.
Solid Ankle Joint
A solid ankle joint AFO is often used for children with cerebral palsy. Solid joints are found in ground-reaction and floor-reaction AFOs, which keep the device stiff enough to aid quadricep weakness. The joints provide enough floor reaction by way of a foot plate to stop forward tibial progression and the ensuing folding in of the knee. The solid ankle joint is used with patients who have poor foot alignment, and is also a choice for patients who suffer from weak triceps surae. With this type of AFO joint, an orthotist may choose to set the foot forward to benefit the knee.
Posterior Leaf Spring Joint
A posterior leaf spring joint in an AFO allows the wearer to have flexibility at the ankle and allows the foot to be lifted up at the ankle joint (the technical term is dorsiflexion). This type of joint in an AFO also allows the wearer to enjoy smoother knee-ankle motion while walking and at the same time prevents an excessive amount of dorsiflexion.
Fixed Hinge Joint
A fixed hinge joint is used in short leg AFOs, and is lightweight and fits easily into shoes. This type of AFO joint does not have a hinge at the ankle, therefore it provides control of the wearer's foot and is often prescribed for patients who suffer from a disorder known as drop foot, or who have an extremely flat foot. An AFO with this type of joint holds the foot at a 90-degree angle in proximity to the foot, and can help keep the foot from undesired inward rotation. The disadvantage of this type of AFO is that the joint's fixed hinge does not allow the foot to bend at the ankle, which results in a gait that is not as natural as some AFOs provide.
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