Lower Extremity Use and Care Guide

USE & CARE

Your lower extremity brace (AFO/SMO) is made of a lightweight plastic that encompasses your foot and ankle in order to control motion. It has been custom fabricated to meet an intended function based upon your individual needs. Your brace must be worn with socks and shoes. Without shoes you are at significant risk to slip and fall. Additionally, without shoes the brace cannot offer its intended support/function and the device is vulnerable to damage, which is not covered under our warranty period.

Your brace may be cleaned using a sponge or soft brush with warm water and mild soap. Use a towel to dry and allow a few hours for thorough air drying. Do NOT dry with heat. Over time, your brace may show signs of wear. If it is still effective but has distinct wear, arrange a follow-up visit with the orthotist who provided the brace. Refurbishments such as replacing worn-out straps or padding and heating or trimming the plastic may extend the useful wear time of the brace.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

• Put on a sock and smooth out any wrinkles (no bunching or folding). • Sitting with hips and knees flexed, open the foot portion of the brace and slide the heel and foot back into the brace. • Make sure the heel is fully seated into the back of the brace. - Pushing straight downward on a seated child’s flexed knee may be helpful. - Flex ankle into a slight upward position (dorsiflexion) by pushing up under the forefoot. • Securely tighten and attach all straps. - If your foot moves while securing the straps, the brace may be too loose for optimal control. - Each strap has a specific purpose; so for best results fasten each one snugly.

WEARING SCHEDULE

We recommend the following break-in period to allow time for your foot and body to initially adjust to wearing the brace. Be sure to monitor the foot and ankle for problem areas. The break-in schedule may vary depending on your level of involvement or any past bracing experiences. After this period, children are typically able to adapt to wearing the brace full time. This may include nighttime use to equal a wear time of 23 hours per day.

Break-In Schedule Wear Time

Day 1 1 hr

Day 2 2 hrs Day 3 4 hrs

Day 4 8 hrs Full time wear as Day 5 recommended

SKIN CHECKS & EXPECTATIONS

• Examine skin for irritation and redness. • Pinkness is common along the outside of the foot and arch due to compression of straps and pads. • Pressure directly on prominent and superficial bones (ex: back of heel, ankle) may cause discomfort and pain and will need to be adjusted. • Any irritation should go away within twenty minutes of removing the brace. • Additional physical therapy during the break-in period may be useful. • You may experience less balance, fatigue and irritability as you adapt to a new foot position provided by the brace. Expect a learning curve as you acquire new balancing skills.

SOCKS & SHOES

Lower extremity braces are designed to be worn with socks and shoes. Choosing the right shoe is especially important when it comes to fit and function, but it can also be a frustrating process. Below are our recommendations to help in your selection process.

Socks Shoes • Low top design with laces • Seamless and wrinkle resistant socks fit • Closed back & closed toe smoothly against the skin • Running shoes with a heel • 100% cotton fiber socks wick perspiration • Snug instep fit with tie or straps away from the skin • Adequate width & depth in toe box • Soccer and baseball socks often work well • Removable insoles and come in lots of colors! • 1-2 sizes larger than previous shoes • We use custom JuDanzy AFO socks: • Schuler Shoes, Little Feet, Amazon, Zappos, Available for purchase. and Target.

*These shoe brands usually accommodate an orthotic device well: • New Balance, Saucony, Tsukihoshi and Champion(Target) • Schuler Shoes in Woodbury and St. Louis Park carry a wide variety of pediatric shoes that are proven to work well and their staff are educated on properly fitting shoes with OCS braces.

CONCERNS

We are here to ensure that your brace is fitting and functioning properly for you. Please contact our office if any of the following issues arise as these concerns may signal the need for a brace adjustment. • Any red mark or irritation that does not go away within twenty minutes after removing the brace. Discontinue wear if redness or irritation does not disappear. • Complaints of discomfort from a child, especially after a period of wearing the brace comfortably. • If the function does not improve after a week of wearing.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office! Minneapolis Office: 612-871-1480 St. Paul Office: 651-222-2679