Do you suffer from foot drop?
Are you looking to find a brace that can easily fit into your shoe and help you walk better.
1.) Introduction
Sometimes people want to walk better but they get caught up in the looks of a brace. Even though many individuals will never see that you have a brace on, there are times that you might think certain walking braces are just too bulky. Fair enough. When it comes to a more low profile AFO (ankle foot orthosis) then the WalkOn AFO can be the answer to your foot drop problems. This is a prefabricated brace that can easily slip into a shoe and help a person with drop foot walk with a more symmetrical gait pattern.
2. ) The Walk On
The WalkOn AFO from Otto Bock is significant because it can help to improve gait for people that have drop foot in certain ways:
A.) Gait Improvement: Promotes a more natural and symmetrical gait.
B.) Roll-Over: Allows fluid roll-over when it comes to hinging your foot at the toe off point of the gait cycle.
C.) Allows for good energy return. Although the brace is thin, it can handle ground reaction forces well.
This brace has a posterior strut which allows for patients to go up and down stairs more naturally. This orthosis (brace) also can be as light as 6 ounces. – Moreover, in a study done by Otto Bock in December of 2001, the WalkOn AFO illustrates that patients wearing the Walk On AFO had an improved “roll-over” vs a standard carbon fiber AFO.
A.) Features: This AFO (brace for walking) is extremely durable, while being very lightweight due to unique material and design use. It also provides heel compression at initial contact in the gait cycle. In addition, there is dynamic movement from midstance to terminace stance which helps to allow for easy roller in the gait cycle.
B.) Benefits: This prefabricated AFO is unique because it does fit easily into more shoe types, than many other AFOs. This brace is easy to don and doff. Lastly, this brace has an open heel cup which helps to ensure good fit of the patient’s heel.
3.) Types of WalkOns
A.) 28U11 WalkOn & 28U23 WalkOn Trimable AFO
This brace is ideal for patient that require greater support for moderate to severe foot drop. Why? It is fabricated from a prepreg advance carbon composite which gives it more strength. Moreover, each of these braces for foot drop come in a stable and low profile design.
B.) 28U22 WalkOn Flex
This AFO is ideal for patients that require less support than the aforementioned AFOs. It is good for patients who have mild drop foot. Why? Because the posterior spiral strut provides more comfort and flexibility for the patients who use it, than other non-Otto Bock AFOs.
4.) Brace Providers Near You
It is important to work with brace specialists near you when it comes to getting these braces. Your local, licensed orthotist will help you get the best WalkOn Brace for your needs.
Note: This is health information. Medical advice on bracing should be provided to you by your local, licensed orthotist.
