AFOs and Shoes
Garrett was fitted for Sure Steps in June of 2007 before he began bearing weight much. His ankles pronated, and the physical therapist recommended trying this brand because they were ordered to the size you measured, so they were not expensive. This AFO protected Garrett's ankle from bone damage as the pronation can cause incorrect growths as the foot shifts inward. He wore these until November 2007 when he outgrew them. It was then recommended that he receive the custom AFOs with straps across the top for a bit more support now that he was walking. I am including photos of three different types of shoes that worked with the AFOs. The brown boot-looking shoes are made by Stride Rite and had one wide velcro strap that allowed the shoe to open very wide. The blue rubber shoe is also made by Stride Rite and had a velcro back strap that secured the foot and brace into place. Last, the sandal, opens with two velcro straps on top and one on the back, so the brace fits nicely. In the two shoes that had insoles, we removed the insole, giving the brace more room, and making the shoe less bulky. Each pair of shoes was purchased 1 to 2 sizes larger than he would wear without the brace. Special shoes are available for purchase to fit with braces, but I found these three pairs to work great and were easy to find.
The therapists recommend him wearing the AFOs at least half of the time he is up and about. He walks more stable but cautious with them. He does not mind them as he does not remember life before them!
Sure Steps in Stride Rite Boots (age 23 mos.)
Custom AFO's by Cascade (age 28 mos.)
This is the AFO for the left foot. There is a strap across the top with a Velcro closure. Garrett got to pick the design on the strap....dogs, of course!! The white piece just under the strap is called a pringle, and is shaped by the potato chip of the same name. It keeps the foot secured down into the AFO properly and cushions the top of the foot a bit.
Custom AFO's in Stride Rite Sandals
These sandals work beautifully as the top and heel straps give lots of room to get the foot and brace into the shoe. Garrett wears them with socks, and these are cooler as they have so much open space but still offer stability and foot protection. They are a little on the heavy side.
Garrett's feet and legs July 2008 (3 years)
I am posting these photos to show Garrett's feet and legs. It is easier to show than tell!
He will be fitted for spring AFO's made by Cascade, in the next couple of weeks. These will look much like the ones in the photo above with the straps, I believe, but they will come up the back of his leg to the calf area and strap there. Hopes are that this will make his toe spring upward more, causing him to pick up his foot to the front more. This should correct his walk and run even more AND HOPEFULLY reduce his falls. He falls on his face at least a couple of times per week because he leans so far forward when he walks and runs and does not get a chance to catch himself with his hands. If the correction helps, this may also help him up into his knees, which seem to be turning in more now. Cascade has agreed to make them for him and then if they do not work, they will cut them down to the same type he has now. I will post photos when we get them in. Our number one priority is to preserve his bones so that as he grows his structure is as sound as it can be.
