You have demonstrated that you are confident in donning your child’s orthosis correctly. Correctly putting on your child’s orthosis is the most important key to ensuring that it your child will be comfortable and function as it is intended. Anyone who puts the orthosis on your child should be able to demonstrate that they can do it correctly before given that responsibility.

PURPOSE AND FUNCTION:

Ankle foot orthoses are intended to prevent deformities, increase function and promote proper growth and development for your child. To do so, the AFO will correct bony alignment and may inhibit unnecessary motion in your child’s gait that produces inefficiencies or decreased support.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Have your child seated or lying on their back with their knee and hip flexed. This position brings their knee toward their chest. This will help to relax their muscle tone and take stress off of tight muscles. Place your child’s foot into the orthosis while keeping their leg and hip flexed.

• Tuck the pad into the orthosis and pull the straps snugly across the top of the foot so slack is not present after being fastened. These straps must be tight enough to prevent the heel from slipping up and down inside the orthosis. Fasten the top strap while placing your finger between the strap and your child’s leg, this strap does not need to be very tight.

• Remove the wrinkles from the sock under the strap areas by pulling extra sock toward the toes as well as upward toward the knee. This will allow freedom for the toes to move and reduce pressure.

• Make sure that the heel is secure in the orthosis by checking that the heel is tight against the plastic.

Improper donning of the AFO can lead to skin irritation or breakdown, blisters, pain and decreased correction of the bony alignment that is intended by your orthotist. Please contact our office immediately with questions or concerns regarding your child’s orthoses.

POTENTIAL RISKS AND PRECAUTIONS:

All orthoses should be inspected on a regular basis to ensure that the structural integrity of the materials and components are withstanding the rigors of daily use. With any orthotic device there is potential for material or component failure. There is risk that a fracture in the material could create sharp edges or a loss of function of the orthosis. Failure of components could lead to improper joint controls, loss of balance and potential for falls or injury. For these reasons, it is very important for caregivers to inspect each orthosis on a regular basis and report any safety concerns to Pediatric Orthotic Specialists immediately.

HELPFUL TIPS

Shoes must always be worn with the orthosis. (Athletic lace up shoes work best).
The insole must be removed.

A thin, snug fitting sock with a heel works best. (Acrylic or polyester blends work well.)

The orthosis can be washed out with soap and water upon need. Allow it to air dry.

If the Velcro wears out, contact us and we will replace it.

Call us immediately if you have any problems or questions regarding the orthotics.
Grand Rapids office (616) 956-5556

In case of an after hours emergency, please contact:
Gabe Beversluis cell– 616-540-8028
Kevin Soules cell – 517-262-1089

Contact your child’s primary care physician regarding any health changes or concerns.