Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) – a type of brace or splint used for injury or disease of the foot and/or ankle to help support, align or correct position of the foot and/or ankle to help improve function.  An AFO may be flexible, providing support for foot drop; rigid, providing support for foot drop and increased ankle and knee stability; or hinged to allow controlled motion at the ankle joint as well as controlling side to side motion and controlling knee stability.

Charcot Joint – also called neuropathic arthropathy; a progressive neuromuscular  process usually caused by complications of Diabetes Mellitus characterized by deformity, joint dislocation, fractures and inflammation.  The joint usually appears hot, red and swollen and is without pain.  Diagnosis and treatment of the Charcot Joint should be preformed by a physician and may include casting, a CROW walker, special shoes and regular follow-up.

CROW Walker – Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker is a brace used to offload pressure from the foot and ankle.  It is usually used for patients who have complications such as ulcers and/or  Charcot joints from Diabetic Neuropathy.  The CROW works to reduce forces around the ankle and joints of the foot as well as reducing pressure under the foot at boney prominences and areas of ulceration.

CROW Walker

Diabetes Mellitus – also known as diabetes; a condition where the body does not produce or use insulin properly resulting in abnormal fluctuations of the blood sugar.  High blood sugar can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves which may result in Diabetic Neuropathy.  Damage to nerves with diabetic neuropathy can cause loss of feeling, loss of sweating, loss of proprioception (knowing where your feet are in relation to your body without looking) and sensations such as burning, crawling and pain.

Diabetic Neuropathy – disease of the nervous system caused by complication of diabetes mellitus.  The loss or damage of the nerves may cause altered sensations such as nerve pain with a burning or prickling or dull achy pain.  The sensory nerve damage may cause reduced sensation with numbness sometimes a complete loss of feeling.  The nerves to the sweat glands may be damaged leading to dry, flaky skin.  The damage to the nerves to the muscles may cause loss of muscle function resulting in foot drop and foot deformity such as clawed toes.

Foot drop describes the inability to lift the foot properly during gait due to muscle weakness or paralysis and may be a result of several different diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis or injuries such as a Stroke or head injury. When walking, the front part of the foot drops down and causes a shuffling of the foot or a high stepping gait. Foot drop may affect one foot (as with a stroke) or both feet (as with Charcot Marie Tooth disease).  Tratment may include the use of an ankle foot orthosis (AFO).

Foot Orthoses – also called arch supports, are devices used to help support, align, correct or cushion the feet and/or legs.  Foot orthoses can be ready made or custom made.  Custom made foot orthoses are usually molded under heat and vacuum over a plaster impression of the foot and can be made of a soft material to provide cushion and accommodate the foot or of a firmer material to provide more support and correction.  Each custom made foot orthosis is made according to the requirements of the individual.

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