Sloppy AFOs

Fitting and Delivery Appointment/Break-In Instructions

Your physician has prescribed a Sloppy Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) (tall Supramalleolar Orthosis with elastic straps). This may be used to support muscles, immobilize joints, or correct the position of your foot and ankle. A Sloppy AFO is made out of thin thermoplastic and foam.

The design features elastic straps that can allow or restrict tibia movement depending on how tight the straps are. Even on the Go, the brace can be adjusted for whichever activity is being worked on in therapy. The outside influence of the brace can be decreased as your child progresses in strength and control.

The following guidelines will help you prepare for the use of your orthosis

What Wear with your AFO

You should always wear a sock in the AFO to protect the skin. Tall socks that go past the top of the calf are best to use.

Bamboo single-layer socks are available on Kiddfoot.com

Be sure that there are no bunches or wrinkles in the socks before you put the braces on. Wrinkles can cause excessive pressure and skin irritation

You should always wear a shoe with your AFO. It is not safe to walk in the AFO without a shoe, as the bottom is slippery and can cause falls. Sneakers are the best type of shoes to use for AFOs.

A wide shoe size is recommended.

Sneakers 1.5-2 sizes larger than your current shoe size will allow for enough room to accommodate the brace. Velcro or lace-up shoes are best.

Break-In Schedule

It is important to follow a break-in schedule when first wearing your braces. The braces are placing the feet and ankles in a more corrected position that you may not be used to. This is why it is important to use the braces slowly over the first week.

Pediatric orthotics for growth and mobility including Durable Medical Equipment, Walkers, Crutches & Wheelchairs

Scoliosis bracing and spinal management

Custom and off the shelf lower limb bracing for mobility improvement and surgical recovery

We recommend wearing the braces for short periods (a few 1-hour increments on the first day) and taking a 30-minute break in between. On the second day, try to increase the wear time to 2-hour increments.

The goal is to slowly increase the amount of time in the braces until you are able to wear them throughout the day with no issues.

During the break, be sure to check the skin. If you notice any blisters forming or skin irritation that does not go away during the 30-minute break, please contact your orthotist to be seen for adjustments.

Wearing your Turbos

The braces should be worn with a shoe as you work to regain strength and practice walking again. The straps can be made tighter or looser depending on the support that is needed.

Ex. If your child is crawling, the top elastic straps can be made looser so that they can move without the straps digging in

Ex. if your child is cruising or needs more standing support, they can

Cleaning

Be sure to clean your braces at least once a week! Wearing the braces every day can cause a build-up of sweat and grime, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria.

We recommend using a baby wipe or a damp washcloth with mild soap to wipe the inside of the braces. Let the braces air dry.

⚠ DO NOT USE CLOROX OR BLEACH TO CLEAN THE BRACES. This can cause severe irritation to the skin.

⚠ DO NOT USE A HAIR DRYER OR HEAT SOURCE TO DRY THE BRACES AFTER CLEANING. This can damage or warp the foam and/or plastic of the brace. Let the brace air dry.

⚠ DO NOT GO SWIMMING WITH THE BRACES. They are not designed to be submerged for long periods of time.

It is fine if you are caught in the rain or step in a puddle. If this occurs, let the brace air dry afterward.

Our in-house facility ensures personalized care, adjustments, and long-term support for the best possible patient outcomes.

Please Note: The Orthotics and Prosthetics services at the Paley Institute are available exclusively to patients currently under the care of a Paley Institute physician. We are unable to accommodate external referrals or walk-in appointments at this time.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with our Orthotics & Prosthetics department, please contact us directly at (561) 844-5255 Ext 240.