By kkhealthcarecentre 
If you’re dealing with foot pain lately and can’t figure out why it persists, you might be experiencing “drop foot.” This condition is marked by the difficulty a person has in lifting their foot at the ankle joint.
Drop foot makes walking challenging because the toes drag on the ground, increasing the risk of tripping. To cope, some people use their hips to lift their foot or swing their leg outward to clear the foot from the ground. These techniques are known as “steppage gait” and “circumduction.”
The issue with drop foot isn’t just the pain; it’s often a sign of underlying health problems. Chronic foot pain might signal conditions like diabetes, which if ignored, could worsen and damage the nerves in your feet. Other potential causes of drop foot include multiple sclerosis, stroke, sciatica, and spinal cord injuries.
Drop foot can affect one foot (unilateral) or both feet (bilateral) and may be temporary or permanent depending on the cause.
The Benefits of Orthotics
For those who prefer to avoid surgery, orthotics can be a great option. Orthotics, or orthoses, are devices used to correct foot and ankle issues without surgical intervention, ranging from foot pads and shoe inserts to ankle braces and specialized shoes.
The goal of orthotic shoes isn’t just to skip surgery. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, orthotics can alleviate foot pain symptoms by redistributing pressure on certain foot areas. They provide support for motion and can improve both movement and posture.
Introducing the Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO)
Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are sturdy braces that enhance walking by supporting the ankle and foot. An AFO lifts the ankle, foot, and toes to prevent dragging.
These braces aim to control ankle motion and position, promoting stability and offering comfort to the user. AFOs are the most common type of orthoses in the U.S., making up about 26% of those produced.
How AFOs Function
The ankle joint allows for two key movements: dorsiflexion (raising the foot upward) and plantarflexion (pointing the foot downward). Dorsiflexion is crucial for lifting the foot off the ground without dragging the toes. People with drop foot often have weak dorsiflexor muscles, so an AFO’s L-shaped design stabilizes movement and facilitates proper foot motion.
Types of Ankle-Foot Orthosis
AFOs are available in various types, either ready-made or custom-designed based on the user’s needs. They’re categorized by material or function.
By Material:
1. Carbon Fiber AFOs: Ideal for active individuals, these lightweight braces focus on strength and stability, supporting a natural walking pattern. They have a semi-flexible footplate that lifts the forefoot and minimizes pressure sores.
2. Traditional Plastic AFOs: These are versatile, affordable, and suitable for short-term use. Their heat-moldable design allows for a custom fit and offers options for varying levels of support.
3. Swedish AFOs: These prioritize comfort with features like enhanced airflow for cooling. They are also heat-moldable and have a trimmable footplate to fit different shoe types.
By Function:
1. Short Leg Fixed AFOs: Ideal for those with drop foot and flat feet, these provide excellent foot control at 90 degrees to the leg but don’t allow for dorsiflexion or plantarflexion.
2. Dorsiflexion Assist AFOs: With a spring-like hinge, these enable the foot-raising motion for a natural gait.
3. Plantarflexion Stop AFOs: Designed for severe drop foot, they prevent the foot from dropping but allow dorsiflexion.
4. Solid AFOs: Offering significant control, these bulky braces limit both plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. They are suited for those with unstable knees or complete loss of dorsiflexion strength.
5. Posterior Leaf Spring AFOs: Featuring a springy back, these AFOs add a bit of bounce to the step, aiding in foot and toe lifting.
6. Anterior Leaf Spring AFOs: Known also as lateral leaf springs, these are more streamlined and less noticeable than their posterior counterparts.
7. Energy Return AFOs: Made from carbon graphite with natural flex materials, these lightweight AFOs assist with dorsiflexion and provide excellent control.