
Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)
Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) are specially designed lower limb orthotic devices that provide support to weak or unstable limbs by controlling the position and movement of the foot and ankle. These orthoses play a crucial role in improving mobility, correcting deformities, and enhancing overall stability in those with lower limb weakness.
AFOs come in two main types: rigid and hinged. Rigid AFOs offer firm support, limiting motion to ensure stability, while hinged AFOs provide a controlled range of forward rotation at the ankle, allowing for more natural movement during activities like walking.
These devices not only control foot and ankle motion but also have a significant impact on the knee's movement and alignment, compensating for muscle weakness, joint instability, or low muscle tone. AFOs are highly effective in treating a range of conditions that affect lower limb function, such as:
· Muscle Weakness: Offering vital support to muscles that may struggle to bear weight or maintain proper positioning.
· Joint Instability: Stabilising the joints to prevent unwanted movement or misalignment.
· High Muscle Tone (Spasticity): Helping to manage increased muscle tone, which is common in neurological conditions like cerebral palsy or stroke and can affect gait and balance.
Whether for children, adults, or elderly patients, AFOs can be customised to meet individual needs, improving mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life.

What are AFOs made from?
AFOs can be made from silicone, plastic, carbon fibre or 3D printed and can be made to a preformed size, made to measure or entirely bespoke made from a cast or scan.

Tailoring the Design of Your AFO
At Dorset Orthopaedic, we can tailor the design of AFO to your specific needs while also taking into consideration the functional requirements, design and weight.

Adding Ankle Joints
We can include ankle joints to lift the foot and increase the amount of push off you have, making it much easier to walk on slopes and stairs compared to a solid ankle AFO