Your Child's Equipment
Ankle foot orthosis
What is an ankle foot orthosis (AFO)?
An AFO is a brace that your child wears on their foot, ankle, and calf. Some AFOs are pre-made devices that you can buy. Others are custom made by an orthotist to fit your child. An orthotist is someone who makes and fits devices to support your child and improve their mobility. An AFO puts your child’s foot and ankle in a good position for sitting, standing, and walking. There are different types of AFOs. Your child’s doctor, physiotherapist, and orthotist will help decide which type of AFO will work best for your child. Some children wear an AFO on both feet, and some just wear an AFO on 1 foot.
Why does your child need an AFO?
Some common reasons a doctor or physiotherapist may recommend an AFO are to:
- Keep your child's foot in a good position when they walk (not rolled in or rolled out).
- Keep your child from going onto their toes when they're walking.
- Maintain range of motion in your child’s ankle by providing a long stretch during the day or at night.
- Prevent falls by helping to lift your child's toes. This prevents their toes from dragging or catching when they take a step.
- Improve your child’s pain from poor foot and ankle positioning when they sit, stand, or walk.
- Help your child stand tall when they walk and prevent crouching.
- Protect bones, tendons, and ligaments that are healing after a foot and ankle surgery.
When should your child wear their AFO?
When your child wears their AFO will depend on the reason they’re using it. Your child may wear an AFO for most of the day, or they may need to wear their AFO at night. They may only use an AFO for certain activities. Ask your child’s healthcare team when they should wear their AFO.
It can take time for your child to get comfortable wearing an AFO. Your orthotist will give you instructions for how to gradually increase the time your child is wearing their AFO during the day.
If your child had surgery, your surgeon will tell you when your child should be using their AFO. It’s important to follow these instructions since the AFO will be used to help protect your child’s ligaments and tendons as they heal.
How does my child wear an AFO?
Have your child wear knee-high socks with their AFO. Moisture-wicking, seamless socks work best, but most snug-fitting cotton socks will work. Special socks are available but aren’t necessary. Make sure your child’s sock is pulled up so that it’s smooth and there are no wrinkles that could irritate your child's skin.
AFOs are slippery to walk on without a shoe. Your child should only wear the AFO without a shoe if they are wearing the AFO at night.
It can be challenging to find a shoe that works with your child’s AFO. Take their AFO with you when you buy shoes to make sure they will fit. Look for shoes that are wide, have a deep toe box, a removeable insole, and a large opening. The shoes need to be wide enough to fit the AFO, but not so long that your child is tripping over them. A wider shoe is better than a longer shoe.
Buying shoes to fit an ankle foot orthosis can help you find the right shoe, and the right fit, for your child. If you have questions about which socks or shoes your child needs, ask your orthotist.
Does your child’s AFO still fit?
As your child grows, their AFO will need to either be adjusted by the orthotist or be replaced. There are some things you may notice when the AFO is getting too small.
- It looks tight. The edges of the AFO around the calf and the foot are digging into your child's skin.
- Your child’s toes are hanging over the end of the AFO.
- It doesn't go as high on their calf as it did before. Your child may start to crouch or bend their knees more when walking.
- Your child is in pain or you see signs of pressure injuries on their foot or leg.
Contact your child’s physiotherapist or orthotist if you have questions about your child’s AFO or need more support.
To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_childs_equip_afo_inst.
Related to Ankle foot orthosis
For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.
Current as of: May 15, 2025
Author: Pediatric Rehabilitation Services, Alberta Health Services
This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
