What is an AFO?

When certain foot or ankle conditions do not respond to other treatments or custom orthotics, the podiatrist may prescribe an Ankle Foot Orthotic (AFO), or balance brace.

AFOs provide a stabilizing L-shaped frame that encompasses the ankle and foot. They start below the knee and extend down and over to the ball of the foot. The purpose of this type of device is to stabilize and control the motion and position of the foot and ankle, and give the toe clearance during the gait cycle.

The Arizona Brace®

Great Neck Podiatry has custom designed the Arizona Brace®. This is our most popular AFO which offers superior stability and comfort. Clinical trials have proven it to be the only custom AFO that is an alternative to surgery to treat Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD).

Features of the Arizona Brace®:

• Molded leather inner lining that is comfortable and soft
• 1/8” padded medical-grade foam
• Polypropylene-reinforced ankle and foot
• Foot plate that runs the length of the metatarsals
• Custom anatomical reliefs

Conditions That the Arizona Brace® Treats:

The Arizona Brace® stabilizes various joints including the mid-tarsal, the talocalcaneal, the ankle, and the subtalar. It is used to treat the following conditions:

• PTTD (Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction)
• Talocalcaneal varus or valgus
• Tibialis Tendonitis (posterior or anterior)
• Severe pronation or pes planus
• Ankle Arthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
• Charcot foot
• Ankle, subtalar or mid-tarsal trauma
• Chronic Achilles tendonitis

The Arizona Mezzo®

This type of custom-fabricated device combines features of a UCBL foot orthosis and the Arizona Brace®. It provides arch support for various mid-foot and hind-foot conditions and can be worn in virtually any shoe.

Features of the Arizona Mezzo®:

• Low-profile design
• Can be worn with practically any shoe or sandal
• Custom-molded, intimate fit
• Made from orthopedic-grade, chromium tanned leather and thermoplastic

Conditions That the Arizona Brace® Treats:

• Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) Stages 1 & 2
• Extreme flatfoot
• Sinus Tarsi Syndrome
• Hypotonia/low tone
• Peroneal tendonitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Osteoarthritis of the subtalar and mid-tarsal joints

The AZ Breeze™

This is a variation of the Arizona Brace® that is made from synthetic material. It’s machine washable, lightweight, hypo-allergenic and moisture wicking version, making it perfect for those with allergies to leather or engage in activities that may expose the device to moisture.

Features of the AZ Breeze™:

• Lightweight, durable polyester covering
• Padded with 1/8” medical-grade foam
• Polypropylene shell
• Custom anatomical reliefs

Conditions That the AZ Breeze™ Treats:

• Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)
• Talocalcaneal varus or valgus
• Tibialis Tendonitis (posterior or anterior)
• Severe pronation or pes planus
• Ankle Arthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
• Charcot foot
• Ankle, subtalar or mid-tarsal trauma
• Chronic Achilles tendonitis

The AZ Crow Walker™

For diabetic patients, the AZ Charcot Resistant Orthotic Walker (AZ Crow Walker™) is an alternative to total casting. Its rocker bottom and custom molded insert help foster healing while minimizing pressure on the foot for those with Charcot foot.

Features of the AZ Breeze™:

• Thermoplastic shell
• Optional 1/8” medical-grade foam padding

The AZ Sporty™

For those who require greater mobility, the AZ Sporty™ provides support and a lower-profile design for

Features of the AZ Sporty™:

• Soft, comfortable molded leather inner shell lining
• Thinner plastic & shorter distal length footplate
• Padded with 1/8” medical-grade foam
• Polypropylene shell

Conditions That the AZ Sporty™ Treats:

• Chronic ankle sprains
• Traumatic ankle injuries
• Ankle arthritis
• Medial/lateral ankle laxity
• Milder conditions not requiring support in the medial longitudinal arch
• Other sport injuries

The EC Neurowalker™

This device has provided excellent patient outcomes for over ten years. It combines a custom-molded shoe with the Arizona Unweighting AFO™.

Features of the EC Neurowalker™:

• Custom-molded shoe
• Notched at base of calf to unweight ankle and foot
• Custom, multi-density removable insole
• Soft, comfortable molded leather inner shell lining
• Padded with 1/8” medical-grade foam
• Polypropylene shell
• A removable, custom-molded multi-density foot orthotic is included

Conditions That the EC Neurowalker™ Treats:

• Charcot foot and ankle
• Post fractures of the distal tibia
• Neuropathic conditions of the ankle and foot
• Severe ankle instability

The Moore Balance Brace™ (MBB)

This is the original balance brace which is custom made to help prevent falls in the elderly and other high-risk groups. It has be proven in clinical trials to increase postural stability and reduce postural sway.

Podiatrists use this device as part of a larger fall prevention plan which may also include physical therapy, strength training, removing hazardous elements in the home, and more.

Features of the Moore Balance Brace™ (MBB):

• Easy to reach and pull Velcro® straps
• Polypropylene shell providing lightweight, stable support around the foot and ankle
• Low-profile & open dorsal design allows for easy shoe fitting & increased compliance
• Heel stabilizing post maximizing balance & stability
• Lightweight, durable polyester cloth covering
• Custom ankle stabilization providing maximum somatosensory feedback
• Plastazote™ interface providing comfortable shock absorption to the heel, plantar surface & tongue
• Custom orthosis provides arch support and mid-foot stability while allowing the forefoot & toes to be anchored for increased balance

Conditions That the Moore Balance Brace™ (MBB) Treats:

• Difficulty walking and/or maintaining balance
• History of falls
• Vestibular disorder
• Chronic ankle Instability
• Arthritic ankle
• Stroke Imbalance/foot drop
• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy

The Supra Malleolar Orthosis (SMO)

The Supra Malleolar Orthosis (SMO) is an effective alternative when regular foot orthoses do not provide adequate control and support for certain foot and ankle conditions. It has a durable polypropylene shell with an optional lower leg strap.

Features of the Supra Malleolar Orthosis (SMO):

• Thermoplastic shell
• Optional 1/8” medical grade foam padding

Conditions That the Supra Malleolar Orthosis (SMO) Treats:

• Arthritic conditions
• Charcot foot
• Chronic ankle sprains
• Instability
• Posterior Tibial weakness or rupture
• Low tone, hypotonic patient

Contact us to make an appointment to discuss our full line of Ankle Foot Orthotics and discover which one is right for you.