AFO wear and care FAQs

Your child should wear their Ankle-Foot Orthotics (AFOs) during the day with their shoes. Walking barefoot after a bath or in the evening will do no harm.

Your child may feel uncomfortable wearing the brace during the initial adjustment period which may last up to a few weeks. During this period, encourage your child to wear their brace as much as possible to become acquainted with it. The brace should feel more natural and comfortable.

However, if your child complains about the AFO or you see red marks, please make an appointment at Braceworks to check fit and make adjustments, as required.

1. Hold the foot at or beyond 90 degrees.
2. Place the foot firmly into the heel pocket of the AFO.
3. Secure the ankle strap.
4. Secure the shin strap.
5. Fit the footwear over the AFO.
6. Prevent skin problems with your new brace by following the Schedule for Wearing Your Brace in this FAQ.
7. Always check your child’s foot and lower leg for any areas of redness when you remove the brace.
8. If dark red areas do not diminish within 30 minutes of removing the brace, please call Braceworks 403-240-9100.

Clean your brace frequently with soap and water. Allow it to air dry. Sanitize regularly with rubbing alcohol. Do not use a hair dryer as the heat will melt the hook and loop of the Velcro™ straps.

You’re welcome to call Braceworks with questions or concerns, at any time. Certainly, if you notice dark red marks on your child’s skin that last longer than 30 minutes after removing the brace – please mark the spot on the brace with a felt pen (like a Sharpie™) and call Braceworks.

The brace is worn discreetly under clothing up to 23 hours a day during the initial stage of treatment to correct the deformity. Then, wearing time is reduced to 8 hours per day, usually at night, until you reach your full height. You will be taught how to adjust the tension of the brace to maintain gentle pressure as the deformity is corrected. Parents easily learn to check if adequate pressure is being applied. Your Physician will monitor your progress at regular intervals over the course of treatment.

Please call ahead so we can make arrangements for a Technician to service the brace promptly, within a couple of days. Your child’s attendance is not required.

Yes. Please call ahead from the clinic, as soon as possible, so we can accommodate you the same day.

The heel should be securely held in the brace with no 'give' or movement. Wear your brace as tightly as possible. It should not be painful. A loose brace will cause rubbing and lead to skin problems.

Choose knee socks that fit smoothly conforming to the foot and providing protection from pressure, bunching, binding and tightness. Avoid products with inside seams or irritating ridges that can lead to skin breakdown. Soft combed cotton with stretch are comfortable.

You’ll find products for pre-school aged children at Gap for Kids. Wal-mart, Target. Wearit.ca offers a good selection of socks for older children.

☞ Braceworks includes a pair of SmartKnit Seamless Socks with every new SMO, AFO, KAFO

Yes. Spasticity causes the muscles to contract pulling up against the strap. The strap is intended to hold the foot down in the AFO. If skin discoloration under the strap lasts longer than 60 minutes, call Braceworks 403-240-9100.

Signs that your child is outgrowing their AFO include complaints of pain or you notice red marks beginning to appear where they haven’t previously been seen. Other signs include toes extending beyond the end of the foot section of the AFO.

Call Braceworks 403-240-9100 to assess if the brace can be adjusted to extend the life of the brace or a new one is required.

It is very important to prevent skin breakdown (i.e., sore, dark red skin). The skin under the brace will eventually toughen up, especially where the brace presses the hardest, over 2 to 3 weeks. Do not use creams or lotions under the brace initially because these products tend to soften the skin and can lead to skin breakdown. A light dusting of cornstarch may help reduce moisture due to perspiration in hot weather.

Pay special attention to pink areas on the skin where your brace presses the most. The pink color is normal and should disappear within 30 minutes of removing the brace. If the skin remains pink longer than 30 minutes, the brace may need to be adjusted. If there is skin breakdown (sore, red, raw skin) discontinue wearing the brace while continuing to bathe the area daily until the skin heals. This usually takes several days.

Please call Braceworks 403-240-9100 for an appointment to re-assess the fit of your brace.