Foot Orthosis

longitudinal arch (scaphoid pad)

• Pes Planus (pronated foot/ flat foot)

UCBL (university of california berkeley lab)

• Controls hindfoot valgus

• Reduces subtalar motion

• three-point counterforces- control calcaneal eversion, forefoot abduction

AFO- Dorsiflexion assist AFO

• DF weakness

• Posterior leaf spring- it recoils during swing phase to produce dorsiflexion

• Klenzak joint- DF spring assist incorporated into stirrup

AFO- Plantar Flexion stop / resistance AFO

• PF tightness

• Plastic hinged AFO with a posterior stop

  • Keeps foot in neutral, good for PF weakness/ spasticity

Posterior leaf spring AFO

• lightweight and streamlined, made from a plastic insert; can be prefabricated or custom-made

• Bends backwards during early stance

• Recoils in swing phase to lift the foot to assist with DF

• Material can be removed to weaken the spring but not added to increase rigidity

• Offers slight plantar flexion at heel contact to prevent knee flexion

• no medial/lateral stability

Dorsiflexion spring assist (Klenzak)

• Incorporates a steel spring in the ankle stirrup, adjustable tightness via a screw on the spring

• Spring compresses in stance and rebounds in swing phase

• Bulkier compared to the posterior leaf spring AFO

• Provides slight plantar flexion at heel contact, similar to the posterior leaf spring AFO

• Avoid with spasticity

Posterior stop AFO

• utilizes metal ankle hinge with a posterior stop

• limits plantar flexion

• prevents toe drag during swing phase and imposes a flexion force at the knee during early stance, preventing the knee from hyperextending

Anterior stop AFO

• utilizes metal ankle hinge with an anterior stop

• Limits dorsiflexion

• Helps the individual with paralysis of the triceps surae (posterior calf muscles) to achieve propulsion during late stance

Solid AFO

• Made of plastic with trimlines anterior to malleoli

• Limits all foot and ankle motion

• Occasionally, this AFO is divided transversely at the ankle with the two sections hinged, creating the hinged AFO. It permits slight sagittal motion facilitating progression to the foot flat position in early stance

Bichannel adjustable ankle locks (BICAALs)

• Has spring and pins

• pins limit movement and springs assist mvmt

• A pin/ peg in anterior channel limits DF and causes PF

• A pin in the posterior channel limits PF and causes DF

Spiral AFO

• Limits all movements

• Contraindicated to use in the presence of moderate to severe spasticity or edema