Afo

Afo is a type of orthosis used to bring the ankle to 90°. This condition is usually seen in people with drop foot syndrome. Ankle foot orthosis is used to prevent damage caused by nerve and muscle diseases and to help people walk. For the construction of the ankle foot orthosis, measurements are taken from the patient with a plaster cast. Ankle foot orthosis is a personalized product.

Afo Shoes

Another of the biggest purposes of Afo shoes is to help the extremity part. Ankle foot orthosis aims to help the extremity to minimize the pain and even to end the pain completely.

What is AFO?

It is a customizable device that attaches to the lower leg and foot area and is usually made of plastic, carbon fiber or metal materials.

It is usually prepared by a doctor, orthopedic specialist or physiotherapist by measuring and adapting to the needs of the person.

Types of Afo

Yes, there are different types of ankle foot orthosis orthosis. These;

• Articulated ankle foot orthosis
• Leaf ankle foot orthosis
• Reflex ankle foot orthosis
• Resting ankle foot orthosis
• Carbon ankle foot orthosis

Afo Orthosis

Afo orthoses are used for a variety of situations, including:

Drop foot: It is used in cases where ankle control is lost due to nerve damage, muscle weakness or paralysis, to ensure that the ankle is lifted off the ground correctly and does not fall.

Ankle instability: Provides support by stabilizing the ankle in people who have balance and control problems due to a weak or unstable ankle joint.

Muscle diseases: It is used to increase muscle strength, provide balance and improve walking function in people with muscle diseases such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy.

Injury rehabilitation: It can be used to support and stabilize the healing process after ankle or lower leg injuries.

It can be of different types according to the needs and specific situation of the person. For example, the ankle foot orthosis can be full length (full leg) or half length (half leg). There are also different variations available, such as flexible or rigid designs, open or closed ankle support. It improves the person’s mobility and enables them to be more independent in daily activities.

Afo Making

Afo making is a process performed by experts. Here are the steps for making an ankle foot orthosis in general:

Evaluation and Measurement: The process of making an ankle foot orthosis begins with the evaluation of the ankle and lower leg region of the person. A doctor or orthopedic specialist will evaluate a person’s mobility, muscle strength, ankle range of motion, and other relevant factors. At this stage, the individual’s needs and goals are also considered.

Customized Design: Based on the evaluation results, experts design a customized ankle foot orthosis. This design is shaped to fit the person’s anatomy and needs. In addition, the type of material to be used and the design details are determined.

Molding or 3D Scanning: To customize the ankle foot orthosis, a mold of the lower leg and ankle area is taken or a three-dimensional scan is made. This process is important in order to fully adapt to the person’s leg.

Prosthesis Production: Based on the data obtained from the molding or scanning process, ankle foot orthosis production is performed. Prosthetic engineers or specialists manufacture ankle foot orthosis parts using the appropriate materials. These parts are usually made of durable materials such as plastic, carbon fiber or metal.

Assembly and Adjustments: After the ankle foot orthosis parts are produced, these parts are put together and assembled. Also, adjustments are made according to the individual’s needs and ankle range of motion. It is important that the ankle foot orthosis is placed correctly and adjusted to the individual.

Trial and Corrections: After the assembly of the ankle foot orthosis, the trial process begins. In this process, the person’s feedback in terms of comfort, harmony and functionality is taken into account. Necessary corrections are made and it is aimed to adapt to the person in the best way.

Training and Rehabilitation: The correct use of ankle foot orthosis is important for the person to improve walking technique and balance.

Afo Prices

AFO prices vary from person to person. Factors such as which type of ankle foot orthosis will be made, the age of the patient, the product to be used are the factors that change the prices of ankle foot orthosis. Carbon ankle foot orthosis prices also vary from brand to brand. The body sizes of the carbon ankle foot orthosis are different, and in this case, the carbon ankle foot orthosis prices change.

Afo Features

Ankle foot orthoses are orthoses used to provide support, stabilize or correct movement restrictions in the ankle and lower leg area of the person. Here are the Afo features in general:

Material: ankle foot orthoses are generally made of durable and lightweight materials. These materials may include plastic, carbon fiber or metal alloys. The material chosen is determined by the person’s needs, mobility and activity level.

Customizability: Because each person’s ankle and lower leg anatomy is different, it is often custom designed and customizable. The measurement and evaluation process is important for the ankle foot orthosis to fully adapt to the person’s leg.

Ankle Support and Stabilization: Ankle foot orthoses are designed to provide support and stability around the ankle joint. This is important for controlling ankle movements, improving balance and supporting walking function.

Gait Improvement: Afo’s are used to improve walking function. In cases such as drop foot, Afo lifts the ankle and prevents it from falling and makes the steps more accurate and smooth.

Adjustability: Afo‘s can be adjusted to suit the individual’s needs and therapeutic goals. It may include adjustable grip mechanisms or belts according to ankle range of motion. This allows one to get the optimal setting in terms of comfort and functionality.

Comfort: AFO‘s are designed to increase the comfort of the person. Special fillings, pads or cushions make Afo feel comfortable on the leg. It may also have holes or vents to increase air permeability.

Length and Coverage: Afos can be full leg length (knee to ankle) or half leg length (ankle only). Depending on the ankle and lower leg problems, AFOs with different scopes and designs may be preferred.

Does the State (SGK) Make Any Payments for AFO and Carbon Afo?

Yes, SGK pays 170 TL for ankle foot orthosis. In addition, SGK makes a payment of 1400 TL for the carbon ankle foot orthosis. These fees are deposited into the patient’s bank account after a certain period of time after registration by SGK.

Children’s Use of Afo and Things to Know

Paralysis occurs in some children due to congenital or subsequent complications. The ankles of these children usually go straight with their legs, leading to drop foot syndrome. Since children are individuals in the developmental age, their muscles grow very quickly. In such cases, if not intervened immediately, an irreversible road may be entered in the future.

• Children with drop foot syndrome should definitely use a type of orthosis such as ankle foot orthosis, ankle foot orthosis, according to their degree of disease.
• Doctors, physiotherapists and orthopedists decide this situation.
• The use of these orthoses varies according to the situation in the foot and leg.

In Which Disease Conditions Should Afo Be Used?

• People with drop foot syndrome
• Paralysis due to stroke
• In cases of partial paralysis
• In spinal cord traumas
• Knee gene recurvatum
• Hemiparesis
• Hemiplegia
• Cerebral palsy
• Spina bifida

How to Take AFO Size?

Afo measurement is taken from the patient’s leg with the help of a plaster bandage. With plaster bandage, the patient’s leg mold is removed and the ankle-foot orthosis to be made is custom-made according to this mold.

Shoes Worn With Afo

Shoes worn with Afo must be an orthopedic shoe. Since the ankle foot orthosis is a plastic product, it can expand the foot and leg part a little. It is important that the orthopedic shoe to be purchased for ankle foot orthosis is taken one size larger and tested with an ankle foot orthosis before buying. If the ankle foot orthosis is used with orthopedic shoes, it will not experience premature wear and it can be waited for a while for a new ankle foot orthosis to be made.

Next Article: Dafo

Wikipedia: Orthotics