In our previous discussions, we had a look at some components used in custom AFO’s. Today we look at a standard yet effective solution for foot drop and muscle weakness or impairments of the lower limb.
If you describe yourself as somewhat ‘average’, today’s products might just be designed for you! Not every patient nor every condition needs a very expensive, relatively bulky custom splint to get the job done. In some cases, an Off-The-Shelf (OTS) AFO does the job perfectly well, and because the time constraints and costs of manufacturing an AFO is eliminated, you could get going much sooner (and with more money left in you pocket too!).
The German company Otto Bock has been world leaders for decades in the Orthotics and Prosthetics industry. They have developed a range of OTS carbon fibre AFO’s to assist patients with weakness or impairment in the lower limb. Ranging from quite flexible to increasingly rigid, their different designs cater for different levels of weakness, and counteracts impairment in specific muscle groups to provide support and improve safe mobilization. With the Otto Bock trial kit, we can test first to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Easy to order, you just need to know your left from your right, and the size shoe that you wear! The AFO slips into your shoe (once trimmed by your orthotist), and fastens with a comfortable Velcro strap around you calf. Fasten your shoes and ‘WalkOn’!
Let’s look at the different designs in a bit more detail:
WalkOn Flex: The baby brother of the family, this AFO is the most flexible and is designed to assist with toe clearance when walking. It is suitable for those patients who have weak or absent dorsiflexion, but who have enough strength in other muscle groups to allow them more ankle and knee movement when mobilizing.
WalkOn AFO: This middle child will not spring any surprises on you. More rigid than the WalkOn Flex, it gives greater control in providing toe clearance when walking, and also gives more control with plantarflexion, eliminating that ‘foot slap’ common in patients with muscle and nerve impairment in the lower limb. This AFO will provide more stability when walking and will help you get around your everyday environment with more ease and safety. The WalkOn Trimable is a version of this AFO with a rubber outer edge on the footplate. This makes it easy to trim to fit in your shoes.
WalkOn Reaction: Big brother brings the muscle to your party. The most rigid in the family, this AFO gives maximum support and energy return during gait. With its anterior design (cupping the front of the shin), it uses ground reaction forces to influence the knee, providing aid for plantarflexion weakness as well as toe clearance. The WalkOn Reaction Plus is an even more robust version for those with heavier duty needs.
Features and benefits:
- Lightweight and low profile
- Robust and durable
- Allows ankle movement in flexible models
- Good energy return in more rigid models
- Use normal footwear with a good heel pitch (heel is higher than the toe section, like sports trainers)
- OTS design fits most patients, allowing quicker turn around time from assessment to final fitting of your product
Contra-indications and draw-backs:
- Not suitable for fixed deformities or malalignment of the ankle joint and foot
- Not suitable for use in very flat or shallow shoes
- Not suitable for use in high impact environments
Ready to Get On with your life? Phone Up, Walk In and WalkOn!