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Orthotic Solutions
Ankle & Foot Orthotic Services
ForMotion Ankle & Foot Orthotic Solutions (AFOs) help people who experience pain and discomfort resulting from conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, nerve damage, or injuries. Our care team will work with you to understand your symptoms and lifestyle, then recommend an option that’s appropriate for your needs.
Our Ankle & Foot Orthotic Solutions
We offer AFOs designed to relieve pain, stabilize joints, or correct misalignments to address both physical and pain-related issues. Identifying the source of your pain and other symptoms is critical to choosing the right orthotic solution. Depending on your specific condition, our care teams may recommend a prefabricated or custom solution.
Causes
What Causes Foot & Leg Pain?
Overuse Injuries
Many people experience pain in the front of the lower leg after intense physical activities like running, hiking, and even walking more frequently or for longer distances than usual. This pain, often referred to as shin splints, results from overexertion or stress on the periosteum — a thin, fibrous tissue layer that surrounds the bones.
This condition can be worsened if your foot rolls inward as you move, a condition called overpronation. Overuse injuries can lead to pain and discomfort in the legs, knees, and back.
This condition can be worsened if your foot rolls inward as you move, a condition called overpronation. Overuse injuries can lead to pain and discomfort in the legs, knees, and back.
Drop Foot
Drop foot means you have difficulty lifting the front part of your foot while walking. Your toes may drag or catch on the ground. This is usually caused by a problem with the nerves or muscles in the lower leg. It can develop after a stroke, herniated disc, injury, or due to a neurological condition.
Drop foot can make walking difficult and increase the risk of tripping or falling. An Ankle & Foot Orthotic Solutions (AFOs) can help. This type of brace supports your foot and ankle, helping you walk more steadily and feel more confident.
Drop foot can make walking difficult and increase the risk of tripping or falling. An Ankle & Foot Orthotic Solutions (AFOs) can help. This type of brace supports your foot and ankle, helping you walk more steadily and feel more confident.
AFO Guide
Get the Best Results from Your Orthotic Solution
Find the right fit and uses
Your AFO needs to be properly fitted and adjusted to work correctly. Our care team will guide you through the process of putting your orthotic solution on and adjusting it properly.
- AFO solutions are designed to be worn inside of your shoe, and we recommend wearing a sock over your foot to reduce friction and absorb perspiration.
- Depending on the design and construction of your solution, you may need to wear a shoe in a larger size than you usually wear. Wearing shoes that can be secured with laces or straps is important to prevent your solution from slipping.
Check for pressure marks
Your orthotic solution may leave red marks, or pressure marks, in the areas where it provides the most support. These marks should fade within 20-30 minutes after you take off your solution.
Check these areas for pressure marks throughout the day when you’re getting used to a new orthotic solution to avoid damage to your skin, and continue to check for them regularly — especially if you have diabetes or impaired sensation. Talk with your ForMotion care specialist if you experience skin issues with your solution.
Check these areas for pressure marks throughout the day when you’re getting used to a new orthotic solution to avoid damage to your skin, and continue to check for them regularly — especially if you have diabetes or impaired sensation. Talk with your ForMotion care specialist if you experience skin issues with your solution.
Clean and care for your solution
Our AFO orthotic solutions are made individually with materials including plastic, carbon fiber, and metal:
- Plastic parts, including those with a soft liner, can be cleaned with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Avoid exposing plastic parts to excessive heat, and do not use benzene, acetone or other solvents to clean them.
- Carbon fiber parts do not require any maintenance, but you can clean them with soap and water or rubbing alcohol as needed. If you notice fraying or splintering in a carbon fiber part, contact your ForMotion care specialist for help.
- Metal parts can be cleaned with damp cloth using water, rubbing alcohol, or even hand sanitizer. Metal joints should be kept clean and maintained with an acid-free oil (like Triflow or 3-In-One Oil) dripped into the joint to keep it moving smoothly and help it last longer. Use a solvent like benzene to remove any excess oil or grease.
Resources
Support & Resources
We understand that finding the right care for your condition can be challenging and confusing. Take advantage of the resources on our site and the expertise of our care team.
Locations
Find Your ForMotion Clinic
We have an established and growing network of Orthotic and Prosthetic clinics. Find the location that's closest to you.
