The following is a continuation of health information regarding AFOs and also the 1st visit for patients at an orthotics company.

Some common questions a brace specialist will want to ask a patient are:

A.) Does your toe drag when you walk?
B.) Does your foot ever turn inward, due to your diagnosis?
C.) Do you quickly get tired due to your gait deviation?
D.) Do you have diabetes?
E.) Do you have a history of skin issues (sores, etc)?
F.) Does your knee ever snap back when you walk?
G.) Does your knee ever buckle when you walk?
H.) Have you ever fallen as a result of your gait deviation?

Manual Muscle Testing - An Important Part of The First Visit

Next the brace specialist will do some manual muscle testing to determine the patient's strength levels. The orthotist (brace specialist) will see how strong the patient's muscles are at the ankle and knee. Sometimes people struggle with just lifting their foot up. Other people will need more side to side stability or they have a problem at their knee because it buckles from time to time. The manual muscle testing process is very important. The patient need not be ashamed if you are having muscle weakness problems when they do
the manual muscle tests. Just do the best you can when the brace specialist works with you.

The Casting Process

After assessing your physical strengths and weaknesses the orthotist will take an impression of your leg and foot. This will be either done with plaster of paris or with fiberglass. Once the brace specialist has an impression of your foot, ankle and lower leg then they can make a custom brace for you. Don't worry, the casting process is painless and once it is complete, you will probably think that it is one of the more interesting things you would have done all day!

Your Second Visit - Fit and Delivery of Your New Ankle Foot Orthosis

When you come to the second visit, you will be delivered with the final product; your new AFO. The brace specialist will check and make sure that the fit is optimal, based off of the location of your boney landmarks. They will also check and make sure that you understand how to apply and remove the brace. Every brace specialist has a set of instructions that they give to the patient. Sometimes, along with verbal instructions the orthotist will provide you with a set of written instructions as well.

*Note: This is health information. Bracing scenarios can vary and medical advice regarding bracing for your needs should be delivered by your providing orthotist.