Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)
Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are ankle support braces used to provide stability, decrease pain and increase mobility for a number of different neuromuscular and musculoskeletal issues.
We use a variety of different designs for ankle bracing that take into consideration your medical and personal needs. When ankle braces like these are required, they are custom-made to support your body. We use the most up-to-date and high-tech components and materials in order to enhance your current level of mobility and independence.
Ankles braces (AFOs) are prescribed and custom fit to aid in the treatment of the following conditions:
- Stroke
- Brain Injury
- Spine and Nerve Injury
- Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT)J
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)
- Joint Injury
Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO)
Knee ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) are used when there are significant muscular deficits within the thigh or significant pain at the knee that is not managed with an ankle brace (AFO) or knee brace.
Common issues that can be addressed with a KAFO are:
- Nerve Injury
- Quadriceps muscle weakness
- Polio
- Severe instability of the knee secondary to injury and arthritis.
- custom arthritis knee bracing Guelph
Custom Knee Brace For Arthritis
For knee arthritis (including meniscus or cartilage damage), an “Unloading” or “Load Shifting” custom knee brace is commonly prescribed. This type of brace shifts the load from the damaged or arthritic part of the knee onto a healthy portion of the knee. Many of our clients who suffer from arthritis are surprised and overjoyed to move and walk with little or no pain after being fit with an arthritis knee brace.
To design a custom knee brace, a cast or laser image of the leg is taken while the knee is adjusted into a position of better comfort and function. The brace is then built on this custom form made from the leg. The arthritis knee brace is adapted to provide the desired unloading forces at the fitting appointment.
Custom Knee Brace for Ligament Injuries
Custom knee braces are also used to treat injury to one or more of the four major ligaments of the knee (ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL). They can include various knee joint configurations, materials and strap designs depending on the specific ligament injury and activity that the custom knee brace will be used for.
FAQ
Will Knee Bracing Make My Knees Weaker?
No, it’s a misconception that wearing a brace weakens your knees.
Unlike wearing a cast that specifically keeps broken bones in place so they can heal, bracing does not restrict movement and so doesn’t cause your muscles to atrophy.
In fact, our braces support you in staying mobile and active and therefore contribute to maintaining a healthier lifestyle overall.
Will I Become Dependent On The Brace?
How much (if any) dependence you develop on a brace is very much down to your particular set of circumstances.
Factors such as age, the type of damage to your knees, your job and your lifestyle all contribute to your long-term prognosis and whether or not you continue to rely on a brace to get by.
Should I Sleep With My Orthotic Brace On?
There’s no benefit to wearing a brace while sleeping, so you should take off your at night.
We recommend doing this for your own comfort, but also because continuously wearing a brace can restrict blood flow or lead to developing a sore.