If anyone drags the front part of their foot on the ground while walking, she or he might be exhibiting the symptoms of what is called a Foot Drop. This difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot might not be termed as a disease but rather a sign of an underlying neuromuscular or an anatomical problem. Even though the foot drop can be a temporary problem, one might be required to use brace to hold the foot in a normal position.
An AFO or ankle-foot orthosis is a custom made brace manufactured to help immobilize joints, support the muscles and at the same time correct the position of the foot and ankle by preventing foot drop from occurring during the gait cycle. In general, the AFOs are constructed using thermoplastics or metal or a combination of various materials. The best of AFOs these days are made of carbon graphite and can be called a graphite AFO.
Based on their extensive experience, clinicians and doctors say that a person with foot syndrome who has been advised the use of AFOs face these challenges which are easily overcome by the use of Graphite AFOs:
- Weight of the brace– When compared, the plastic AFOs, that have been a common choice for a long period of time, are a bit heavier than the modern graphite AFOs. It’s a no-brainer that people with foot drop will not want to carry an extra amount of weight in the form of their brace when they have a lighter option available. Though the graphite AFOs are lighter they exhibit enhanced strength of materials and provide more comfort and normal gait.
- Fitting the brace – AFOs have to be fitted in a pair of shoes. This can pose a challenge if the material of construction of the AFO is not thin enough. Graphite AFO provides for flexibility of design and thus scores over its plastic contemporaries.
- Flexibility issues – It can be argued that the usage of carbon graphite in AFOs has helped in creating a more functional environment rather than a static alignment. A graphite AFO helps in creating a more normalized gait. It is also being given to understand that graphite AFOs, because of their design and construction, provide some kind of energy return and often allows muscle tissues to regenerate.
It is, however, always advisable to seek assistance from professionals when selecting your graphite AFO as your prescription depends on the varying degree of foot drop. Be a dynamic AFO or a Blue Rocker Toe Off, you will always get the right guidance from professionals like the Synergy Orthopedics to select the right product and its correct usage.
If you are in need of a graphite AFO, be sure to visit Synergy Orthopedics, serving patients in Eastern Pennsylvania, Hudson Valley NY, Maryland Washington, DC, Delaware, and New Jersey. Since 2001, Synergy Orthopedics has been a trusted partner to patients recovering from musculoskeletal injuries and surgeries. Call them for more details.
About Synergy Orthopedics, LLC:
Synergy Orthopedics, LLC has been a trusted partner to patients recovering from musculoskeletal injuries and surgeries. Working alongside the doctor and other medical professionals, we help patients regain function and motion and get back to their everyday lives. Visit our website at https://www.synergyortho.com to learn more about our products and services.
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