Browse our AFOs.

Benefits of a Custom Made Composite AFO

We believe a custom made composite AFO has a lot to offer, to both the patient and the practitioner alike. For the patient, a custom made AFO offers greater comfort and an increase in the function of the brace, adding to the quality of their life. For the practitioner, it reduces the fitting time and all the wedging, padding and posting that a pre-fab AFO may require, making a custom made composite AFO an appealing alternative.

And that is our desire—to provide practitioners with another option for their patients. Not to replace the use of pre-fab braces when they work, but to give practitioners and their patients a choice. When composite materials are used effectively, they can create dynamic, energy return AFOs or extremely rigid ones, while keeping the weight and profile of the AFO at a minimal. Factor in the patient’s height, weight, activity level, ankle tendency and the knowledge and expertise of their practitioner, and we can create a brace that goes from the box to the patient with relative ease and provides optimal fit and function.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our FAQ page provides answers to common questions, as well as what to do with fitting issues or a brace that needs repaired.

What's New

> Nike video featuring the Hybrid Medial Strut AFO
Watch the Nike Strategy to Accelerate Research (Nike STAR)™ video on Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome featuring our custom made Hybrid Medial Strut AFO (with calf band). Watch video >

(Image is property of Nike.)

> Now Accepting CAD Files by E-mail
With our new CAD-Cam system we are able to accept STL, Canfit, AOP and AP2 files. Give us a call at 866-273-2230 for more information.

Bracing Theory

Less is best. The theory of under-bracing has been around for a long time. Many times it is hard to determine how much of a brace the patient needs. Usually after a stroke or recent trauma the patient may need a lot of stability and depend heavily upon the brace (see contraindications to carbon bracing), but as the process of recovery continues less of a brace is required. Over-bracing decreases the patient’s need to use their own strength to control the extremity and creates a dependence on the brace. Under-bracing challenges the patient to strive for greater gains in strength and balance and replaces just the functions that are missing. Low-profile composite braces are generally more accepted by patients and are used more as a result. Identify the missing function and select a design that replaces it. Think less rather than more and challenge the patient to achieve greater function, balance and strength.