What an ankle foot orthosis is

Ankle foot orthosis

An ankle foot orthosis, often called an AFO, is a brace that supports the ankle and foot. It is usually worn inside the shoe and holds the foot in a better position.

It is often used when a foot drops or turns because of a weak ankle, such as after a stroke or nerve injury.

This matters because a dropped foot can catch on the ground and cause trips and falls when walking.

An AFO does not fix the underlying weakness, but it makes walking safer and steadier. It works best alongside physiotherapy, not instead of it.

At home our physiotherapist helps get the AFO fitting well into daily walking, works on the muscles of the leg and ankle, and practises safe walking. We check the skin and adjust the plan as strength changes.