A leaf spring is an AFO which has a retaining spring effect enclosed. This provides stability for the foot in certain positions. It reduces foot drop.
Suitable:
- Foot drop
- Hemi paresis
- Charcot marie tooth (CMT)
- Cerebral palsy
- Other neurological conditions requiring foot and ankle support
Shoe fit:
- Many shoes are available with removable inlays which will accommodate this type of orthoses
- Sport footwear
- Sandals with removable inlay
- Prefabricated or custom
- Medical grade footwear
Contra indication:
Not suitable for significant varus or valgus deformity and for sensitive skin such as an insensate foot (Diabetic foot), unless significant padding is provided. In the latter case a shoe fitting with extra depth, width and length or custom made medical grade footwear may need to be considered.
The sample below has additional elastic straps on the dorsal side of the foot.
The sample below has additional elastic straps on the dorsal side of the foot:
A carbon prefabricated AFO. Very useful for the active walker with a foot drop.
Not suitable for strong varus or valgus instability.
Takes minimal space in the footwear and feels like an active heel to toe walking action.
A standard AFO without a joint. These are available as prefabricated but can also be custom made.
They are stiffer or less stiff depending on the variation and the shape of the plastic.