What Is A Drop Foot AFO?
A drop foot AFO is an ankle-foot orthosis used to support or control the ankle and foot.
It is normally worn below the knee and may extend:
- Around the lower leg
- Across the ankle
- Beneath the foot
- Around the outside of a shoe
- Between the foot and footwear
For someone with foot drop, the main aim is usually to improve clearance between the toes and the ground during the swing phase of walking.
An AFO may also help:
- Reduce toe dragging
- Reduce foot slap
- Position the ankle more consistently
- Stabilise the foot
- Control unwanted inward or outward movement
- Influence knee position
- Improve standing balance
- Make walking more predictable
- Reduce compensatory high-stepping
NHS orthotic guidance explains that AFOs may stabilise the foot and ankle, control abnormal movement or muscle tone and provide better control during standing and walking.
What Does AFO Stand For?
AFO stands for:
Ankle-Foot Orthosis
An orthosis is an externally applied device used to support, align, protect or influence the movement of part of the body.
An AFO is different from a simple shoe insole because it extends above the ankle and can therefore influence more than pressure beneath the foot.
Depending on its design, it may affect:
- The foot
- The ankle
- The lower leg
- The knee
- Posture
- Balance
- Walking pattern
The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital notes that an AFO controls the foot and ankle but may also affect the knees, posture and balance.
Is A Drop Foot Brace The Same As An AFO?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but “foot-drop brace” is a broader, less technical description.
A foot-drop brace may include:
- An elastic lifting strap
- A textile ankle cuff
- A flexible plastic AFO
- A rigid plastic AFO
- A hinged AFO
- A carbon-fibre AFO
- A custom-made orthosis
Not every product marketed as a foot-drop support provides the same degree of control.
A lightweight elastic system may mainly lift the forefoot, while a full AFO may additionally control:
- Foot slap
- Ankle position
- Side-to-side instability
- Inward turning
- Plantarflexion
- Knee collapse or hyperextension
The correct terminology matters less than understanding what the device actually controls.
How Does An AFO Help Foot Drop?
During normal walking, the foot lifts as the leg swings forwards.
With foot drop, the front of the foot may remain pointed downwards, causing the toes to drag or catch the ground.
An AFO can improve clearance by:
- Pulling the forefoot upwards
- Holding the ankle closer to neutral
- Resisting excessive downward movement
- Preventing the foot turning into an unstable position
- Helping position the heel for the next step
The NHS lists braces, splints and shoe inserts among recognised treatments used to hold the foot in a more suitable position.
What Is The Swing Phase?
The swing phase is the part of walking when the foot is off the floor and the leg moves forwards.
Adequate toe clearance is important during this phase because the foot must pass over:
- The floor
- Steps
- Kerbs
- Rugs
- Door thresholds
- Uneven surfaces
A drop-foot AFO may assist the foot while it swings forwards, helping reduce toe catching.
NICE recommends considering AFOs after stroke where difficulty clearing the foot during swing contributes to tripping or falling.
What Is The Stance Phase?
The stance phase is the period when the foot is in contact with the ground.
Some AFOs influence more than swing-phase clearance. They may also help during stance by:
- Controlling how the foot lowers
- Stabilising the ankle
- Reducing foot slap
- Supporting weight transfer
- Influencing knee collapse
- Limiting knee hyperextension
- Providing a more stable base
NICE advises considering an AFO where poor ankle or knee control during stance affects walking after stroke.
A lightweight elastic lifting strap may provide less stance-phase control than a plastic or carbon-fibre AFO.
Does An AFO Cure Foot Drop?
No.
An AFO provides external functional support.
It does not:
- Repair an injured nerve
- Remove pressure from a spinal nerve
- Reverse a stroke
- Cure multiple sclerosis
- Restore permanently lost muscle function
- Treat diabetic neuropathy
- Correct an underlying neurological disease
Foot drop treatment depends on its cause and duration. Other treatment may include physiotherapy, electrical stimulation or surgery in selected cases.
The AFO may be used:
- Temporarily during recovery
- During rehabilitation
- While investigations continue
- As long-term mobility support
- Alongside physiotherapy
- With a walking aid
- As an alternative or complement to electrical stimulation
What Are The Main Types Of Drop Foot AFO?
There are several broad categories.
The most appropriate design depends on:
- The cause of foot drop
- Whether the weakness is flaccid or spastic
- Ankle stability
- Knee control
- Available ankle movement
- Foot shape
- Sensation
- Skin condition
- Activity level
- Footwear
- Hand function
- Ability to fit the device
Textile Or Elastic Foot-Lifting AFO
A textile system usually includes:
- A cuff around the ankle or lower leg
- An elastic lifting strap
- An attachment connected to the shoe
- Adjustable tension
Its main purpose is usually to assist dorsiflexion during swing.
It may suit selected users who have:
- Flaccid foot drop
- A flexible foot
- Reasonable ankle stability
- A need for lightweight support
- Difficulty accommodating plastic inside a shoe
- A preference for a low-profile design
The Boxia® is an example of this type. It sits externally to the footwear, uses adjustable elastic tension and is intended to improve forefoot clearance during walking.
Potential Advantages
- Lightweight
- Discreet
- Adjustable assistance
- Minimal material inside the shoe
- Easier footwear accommodation
- Breathable textile construction
- May be simpler to transport
Possible Limitations
- Limited side-to-side ankle control
- May not control significant spasticity
- May not reduce severe foot slap
- Requires compatible secure footwear
- Elastic components can wear
- May not adequately influence knee movement
- Some products contain latex
Posterior Leaf-Spring AFO
A posterior leaf-spring AFO is commonly made from flexible thermoplastic.
It usually includes:
- A calf section
- A narrow flexible section behind the ankle
- A footplate inside the shoe
As weight moves off the foot, the flexible section may help return the ankle towards a lifted position.
It may be considered for:
- Mild to moderate dorsiflexion weakness
- Flexible foot drop
- Selected neurological weakness
- A need for more in-shoe control than a textile strap
- Mild foot slap
The Orthotix Leaf Spring AFO is a flexible thermoplastic orthosis designed to assist dorsiflexion while permitting controlled ankle movement. It is worn inside suitable footwear and does not contain latex.
Potential Advantages
- Lightweight
- Relatively low profile
- Greater foot positioning than an external elastic strap
- Flexible assistance
- Can reduce toe drag
- Fits inside many supportive shoes
Possible Limitations
- Requires sufficient footwear depth
- May offer limited control of strong inversion
- May not suit significant spasticity
- Can affect comfort behind the calf
- Requires correct left or right selection
- May need trimming or professional adjustment
Solid Plastic AFO
A solid AFO limits ankle movement more substantially.
It may be selected when greater control is required for:
- Significant weakness
- Ankle instability
- Spasticity
- Unwanted inward or outward movement
- Foot positioning
- Knee instability influenced by ankle position
- Prevention of deformity
A solid brace may provide stronger control but may also:
- Feel more restrictive
- Require larger footwear
- Affect stairs and slopes
- Alter knee movement
- Require a gradual adaptation period
NHS guidance recognises that AFOs may be solid or hinged and are prescribed according to the individual’s clinical needs.
Hinged Or Articulated AFO
A hinged AFO contains a mechanical joint near the ankle.
Depending on the design and settings, it may:
- Allow selected ankle movement
- Limit excessive downward movement
- Control a specific range
- Support dorsiflexion
- Provide side-to-side stability
- Permit more natural progression over the foot
A hinged AFO is not automatically more suitable than a solid brace.
Its suitability depends on:
- Muscle strength
- Spasticity
- Knee control
- Available ankle movement
- Stability
- The required motion restrictions
Professional assessment is normally important because allowing the wrong movement can reduce stability.
Carbon-Fibre AFO
A carbon-fibre AFO uses lightweight structural material that can store and release energy as the person walks.
Depending on its design, it may provide:
- Dorsiflexion support
- Improved toe clearance
- Reduced foot slap
- Energy return
- Assistance during forward progression
- A lower-profile structure than some plastic braces
The Orthotix Carbon Ankle Foot Orthosis uses pre-loaded carbon fibre to provide dorsiflexion support and energy return. It includes a medial strut and built-in arch support, is latex-free and has a stated device weight limit of 100kg.
Potential Advantages
- Lightweight
- Strong
- Dynamic response
- Energy storage and return
- Reduced bulk
- May improve propulsion
Possible Limitations
- Higher cost
- Less easily modified than conventional thermoplastic
- Requires correct size and side
- May not suit every foot shape
- May require professional trimming or fitting
- Specific products have weight limits
- Carbon strut position can affect comfort or footwear
Dynamic Carbon-Composite AFO
Some advanced AFOs use carbon composite rods or struts to provide flexible lifting support while allowing more ankle movement.
The Dynamic Walk AFO, for example, uses carbon-fibre composite and flexible rods intended to store and release energy while allowing plantarflexion during activities such as walking and crouching. It is a trade-only product intended for professional fitting and may contain latex.
These devices may be appropriate where the wearer needs:
- Dynamic assistance
- Greater structural support
- Flexible ankle movement
- Improved toe clearance
- Professional adjustment
They are not necessarily appropriate for severe spasticity, fixed deformity or complex instability without a full assessment.
Custom-Made AFO
A custom AFO is manufactured to measurements, a cast or a digital scan of the person’s leg and foot.
It may be required where there is:
- Significant deformity
- Complex spasticity
- Unusual leg or foot shape
- Severe ankle instability
- Pressure-sensitive skin
- Different requirements between sides
- Knee-control problems
- A need for precise alignment
- Failure of standard off-the-shelf braces
Customisation may include:
- Material selection
- Trim-line changes
- Padding
- Ankle angle
- Joint type
- Footplate length
- Pressure relief
- Strap position
- Posting or wedges
A custom AFO should be reviewed as the person’s condition, body weight, movement or footwear changes.
What Is Flaccid Foot Drop?
Flaccid foot drop involves weakness with reduced muscle activity and without significant involuntary stiffness.
The foot may feel:
- Weak
- Loose
- Difficult to lift
- Uncontrolled during swing
- Prone to slapping down
This pattern may occur with:
- Common peroneal nerve injury
- Some peripheral neuropathies
- Nerve-root injury
- Certain postoperative nerve problems
A lightweight lifting system such as the Boxia® may suit selected users with flaccid foot drop and sufficient ankle stability. The product’s stated indication is flaccid-paralysis drop foot.
What Is Spastic Foot Drop?
Spastic foot drop involves increased or involuntary muscle activity caused by disruption within the brain or spinal cord.
The foot may:
- Point downwards
- Turn inwards
- Resist correction
- Become stiff
- Develop toe curling
- Move unpredictably
- Affect knee position
Spastic foot drop may occur following:
- Stroke
- Brain injury
- Cerebral palsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal-cord injury
A lightweight elastic strap may not provide enough control where strong spasticity or inversion is present.
A solid, hinged or custom AFO may be more appropriate, depending on the full assessment.
Can An AFO Control The Knee?
Yes, some AFOs influence knee movement indirectly through the angle and stiffness of the ankle.
Depending on the design, an AFO may help manage:
- Knee collapse
- Knee hyperextension
- Forward progression
- Weight transfer
- Stability during stance
An unsuitable angle or stiffness can also create an unwanted effect at the knee.
This is why an AFO should be assessed during actual walking, not only while the wearer is sitting or standing.
RNOH advises that an AFO may alter movement, posture and balance while the wearer becomes accustomed to it.
Can An AFO Improve Balance?
It may improve the stability of the foot and ankle and provide a more predictable base during standing.
Possible benefits include:
- More stable foot placement
- Improved ankle alignment
- Reduced unwanted movement
- Greater confidence
- More consistent steps
- Better control during weight transfer
However, balance also depends on:
- Vision
- Inner-ear function
- Sensation
- Hip and knee strength
- Coordination
- Reaction speed
- Medication
- Fatigue
- Cognitive attention
An AFO cannot address every cause of poor balance or falling.
Can An AFO Prevent Trips?
A suitable brace may reduce trips caused by the toes failing to clear the ground.
It cannot guarantee that the wearer will not trip or fall.
Other risks may include:
- Poor balance
- Reduced sensation
- Weakness elsewhere in the leg
- Vision problems
- Dizziness
- Environmental hazards
- Unsuitable footwear
- Fatigue
- Medication
The NHS states that foot drop increases the risk of trips and falls and recommends supportive footwear, clear floors, good lighting and walking aids where required.
Read:
Can AFO Braces Help Prevent Trips & Falls?
How Do You Choose The Correct AFO?
The choice should consider:
- The medical cause
- Whether the weakness is flaccid or spastic
- Dorsiflexion strength
- Ankle range
- Ankle stability
- Side-to-side control
- Knee control
- Foot shape
- Sensation
- Skin condition
- Body weight
- Activity
- Footwear
- Hand function
- Ability to fit and remove the brace
- Whether one or both sides are affected
The strongest brace is not automatically the best.
The aim is to provide enough control while retaining useful movement and remaining comfortable enough for consistent use.
Read:
How To Choose A Foot Drop Brace
Should The AFO Be Assessed While Walking?
Yes.
AFO performance should be assessed during the activities for which it is required.
Look at:
- Toe clearance
- Foot position during swing
- Heel contact
- Foot slap
- Ankle stability
- Knee movement
- Step length
- Walking speed
- Ease of turning
- Confidence
- Fatigue
- Comfort
NICE advises evaluating an AFO according to comfort, walking speed and ease of walking. It also recommends checking whether the person can put the device on or has the assistance required.
How Should A New AFO Be Introduced?
Most structured AFOs should be introduced gradually.
One NHS wearing schedule recommends:
- Day one: 30 to 60 minutes
- Day two: one to two hours
- Day three: three to four hours
- Day four: four to five hours
The final target should follow the advice of the orthotist or physiotherapist. Mersey Care states that it may take at least two weeks to reach full-time wear.
The schedule may differ for:
- Lightweight textile supports
- Custom AFOs
- Postoperative use
- Children
- People with reduced sensation
- People with fragile skin
Why Is A Gradual Break-In Period Important?
An AFO can alter:
- Pressure around the foot and ankle
- Muscle activity
- Walking mechanics
- Knee movement
- Posture
- Balance
- Shoe fit
Gradual introduction helps identify:
- Pressure areas
- Skin irritation
- Excessive stiffness
- Changes in balance
- Knee discomfort
- Poor footwear fit
- Difficulty applying the device
RNOH recommends gradually increasing wear to allow acclimatisation and reduce the risk of skin damage.
What Skin Checks Are Required?
Inspect the skin whenever the brace is removed.
Look for:
- Persistent redness
- Blisters
- Broken skin
- Rubbing
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Pressure around ankle bones
- Irritation beneath straps
- Moisture damage
Mersey Care advises that temporary pressure marks should disappear within approximately 30 minutes. Sores or blistering require the AFO to be stopped and reviewed.
People with diabetes, neuropathy, poor circulation or reduced sensation should take additional care because pressure damage may not be felt normally.
Should An AFO Be Worn Over A Sock?
Many AFOs should be worn over a smooth, long sock unless the product instructions state otherwise.
The sock should:
- Cover all brace-contact areas
- Remain free from wrinkles
- Fit closely
- Keep the skin dry
- Avoid thick seams
- Be changed regularly
Long socks can help protect the skin during AFO use.
Do not add thick padding independently if it changes the fit or pressure distribution.
What Footwear Is Needed?
Footwear is a critical part of AFO use.
A suitable shoe normally needs:
- A secure fastening
- A closed heel
- A stable sole
- Enough width
- Enough depth
- A low or stable heel
- Adequate toe room
- A removable liner where more space is needed
- A heel counter that contains the foot
A plastic or carbon AFO that sits inside the shoe will usually require more depth than an external lifting system.
The correct footwear helps stop the AFO moving and allows it to function as intended. Mersey Care notes that footwear selection is important to obtain the best result from an AFO.
Read:
Best Footwear For Foot Drop
Can A Boxia® Fit Inside Any Shoe?
The Boxia® sits mainly outside the footwear, so it does not occupy the same space as a conventional plastic AFO.
However, the shoe still needs to:
- Fasten securely
- Hold the heel
- Provide a stable base
- Accept the attachment
- Avoid excessive heel height
- Remain comfortable
Loose slippers, backless shoes and unstable slip-ons may not provide a suitable connection.
The Boxia® uses an ankle cuff and non-slip hook attachment and is designed not to occupy in-shoe space.
Can An AFO Be Used Without Shoes?
Some designs require footwear to function safely.
A conventional plastic AFO may be slippery or unstable without a suitable shoe, while a standard Boxia® requires its shoe attachment.
A dedicated Boxia® Shoeless Attachment is available for indoor or barefoot use. It connects to the Boxia® system and provides a padded arch section for dorsiflexion assistance. It is side-specific, available in several sizes and is latex-free.
Do not improvise a barefoot attachment.
Can An AFO Be Worn All Day?
Some people use an AFO for most daytime activities after completing a gradual break-in period.
The appropriate duration depends on:
- The purpose of the AFO
- Skin tolerance
- Comfort
- Activity
- The underlying condition
- Clinical instructions
- Whether the brace remains effective
- Footwear
Extended wear should still include:
- Skin inspection
- Strap checks
- Footwear checks
- Monitoring for pain
- Reassessment if walking changes
Should You Sleep In An AFO?
Do not routinely sleep in an AFO unless it has been specifically prescribed for night-time use.
A daytime walking AFO may not be appropriate in bed because it can:
- Create prolonged pressure
- Restrict movement
- Cause overheating
- Affect skin
- Be unnecessary while non-weight-bearing
Night splints and positioning orthoses have different objectives from walking AFOs.
Follow the orthotist’s instructions.
Can You Exercise In An AFO?
This depends on:
- The activity
- AFO design
- Underlying condition
- Footwear
- Balance
- Strength
- Clinical advice
Some AFOs are intended primarily for walking and daily mobility rather than running, jumping or contact sport.
The Boxia® is primarily designed for ordinary walking. Higher-impact exercise should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Do not use the AFO to push through:
- Pain
- Increasing instability
- Repeated toe catching
- Skin irritation
- Strap movement
- Excessive fatigue
Can You Drive In An AFO?
Driving ability depends on:
- Which foot is affected
- The vehicle
- Transmission type
- Brace design
- Ankle movement
- Reaction speed
- Ability to perform an emergency stop
- Licensing and insurance requirements
A rigid AFO may restrict pedal movement more than a flexible design.
Do not assume that being able to walk safely means driving is automatically safe. Confirm requirements with the appropriate clinician, insurer and licensing authority where necessary.
What Is The Difference Between An AFO And Functional Electrical Stimulation?
An AFO mechanically supports or positions the foot.
Functional electrical stimulation—FES—uses electrical impulses to stimulate the nerves and muscles involved in lifting the foot.
FES may be considered for selected people whose foot drop results from a central neurological condition, such as:
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Some spinal-cord injuries
NICE describes physiotherapy and AFO use as treatment options for aligning the lower leg, controlling ankle and foot movement and improving gait. FES may be considered for central neurological foot drop following specialist assessment.
Neither option is automatically superior for every person.
Off-The-Shelf Or Custom-Made AFO?
An off-the-shelf AFO may be suitable where:
- The foot and leg match standard sizing
- The movement problem is straightforward
- The foot remains flexible
- Standard pressure distribution is acceptable
- The required control is available in a prefabricated design
A custom AFO may be more appropriate where:
- Standard sizes do not fit
- Deformity is present
- Pressure relief is required
- Spasticity is significant
- Ankle or knee control is complex
- The two sides differ
- Previous standard devices have failed
- Precise alignment is required
Custom-made does not automatically mean more comfortable or effective. The device must still be correctly designed, fitted and reviewed.
How Do You Know Whether The AFO Is Working?
Positive signs may include:
- Improved toe clearance
- Fewer near-trips
- Reduced foot slap
- Less high-stepping
- Greater ankle stability
- More consistent steps
- Improved confidence
- Easier walking
- Better tolerance for everyday activity
The AFO should not cause:
- New pain
- Worsening numbness
- Persistent skin marks
- Blisters
- Increased knee instability
- Greater difficulty walking
- Excessive fatigue
- A feeling that the foot is being forced into an uncomfortable position
Can The Wrong AFO Make Walking Worse?
Yes.
An unsuitable brace may:
- Provide too little toe clearance
- Restrict useful ankle movement
- Hold the foot at the wrong angle
- Increase knee hyperextension
- Contribute to knee collapse
- Allow the foot to turn inwards
- Create pressure
- Move inside the shoe
- Increase walking effort
- Reduce confidence
An AFO should be reviewed if walking becomes harder or less stable after introduction.
How Should An AFO Be Cleaned?
Follow the instructions supplied with the specific product.
For many plastic AFOs:
- Wipe with a damp cloth
- Towel dry
- Avoid direct heat
- Avoid reshaping
- Keep hook-and-loop fastenings free from debris
- Do not use harsh detergents unless approved
Mersey Care advises cleaning an AFO with a damp cloth, towel drying it and avoiding heat because heat may distort the device.
Textile products may have separate washing instructions. The Boxia® is listed as machine washable at 30°C, but removable components and product-specific instructions should be followed.
When Should An AFO Be Repaired Or Replaced?
Check regularly for:
- Cracks
- Distortion
- Worn straps
- Weak elastic
- Loose fastenings
- Damaged padding
- Frayed stitching
- Reduced lifting assistance
- Movement inside the shoe
- Changes in fit
Do not continue using a damaged device if it can no longer provide safe support.
Avoid independently:
- Heating it
- Bending it
- Cutting structural areas
- Drilling holes
- Gluing cracks
- Replacing parts with unsuitable materials
Mersey Care recommends checking regularly for weakness or damage.
When Should The AFO Be Reviewed?
Arrange a review if:
- Walking has changed
- Weakness has progressed
- Spasticity has increased
- The brace no longer clears the toes
- The foot has changed shape
- Body weight has changed substantially
- The shoe no longer accommodates it
- Skin problems occur
- Pain develops
- The AFO becomes damaged
- The wearer has had repeated trips or falls
- The knee feels less stable
- The device is no longer comfortable
AFO requirements may change during recovery, growth or progression of a neurological condition.
Why Choose The Boxia® Drop Foot AFO?
The Boxia® Drop Foot AFO is a lightweight external support intended for flaccid foot drop.
Its features include:
- Adjustable elastic dorsiflexion assistance
- Forefoot lifting during swing
- An ankle cuff
- External shoe attachment
- No bulky footplate inside the shoe
- Breathable perforated material
- Gel-padded contact areas
- Multiple sizes
- Black and beige options
- Adaptability for left- or right-foot use
- A low-profile design
- Replaceable components
- An optional shoeless attachment
The product contains latex.
Who May Find The Boxia® Suitable?
It may be considered where:
- The foot drop is flaccid
- The ankle remains reasonably stable
- The foot is flexible
- Adjustable forefoot assistance is required
- A low-profile external brace is preferred
- Space inside footwear is limited
- A suitable secure shoe can be worn
- The user can fit and monitor the device safely
Who May Need A Different AFO?
A different or professionally prescribed AFO may be needed where there is:
- Significant spasticity
- Severe ankle instability
- Strong inward turning of the foot
- Fixed deformity
- Knee collapse or hyperextension
- Marked sensory loss
- Fragile skin
- Complex bilateral weakness
- Insufficient control from elastic assistance
- A latex allergy
- Difficulty applying the product
- A need for custom pressure relief
A structured leaf-spring, solid, hinged, carbon-fibre or custom-made AFO may provide more appropriate control.
When Should Foot Drop Be Medically Assessed?
See a GP if:
- You cannot lift the front of the foot or toes normally
- The toes drag
- The foot slaps
- You are tripping more often
- Weakness is worsening
- New numbness has developed
- Foot drop follows injury or surgery
- Both feet are affected
The NHS advises medical assessment when lifting the forefoot and toes becomes difficult.
When Is Emergency Help Required?
Call 999 for possible stroke symptoms, including sudden:
- Facial weakness
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Confusion
- One-sided weakness
- Severe loss of balance
Seek urgent emergency assessment where foot drop occurs with:
- Severe worsening back pain
- Weakness in both legs
- Numbness around the buttocks or genitals
- Difficulty passing urine
- Loss of bladder control
- Loss of bowel control
These symptoms require medical investigation rather than brace fitting.
The Key Takeaway
A drop foot AFO is a brace used to support or control the ankle and foot.
Depending on the design, it may:
- Improve toe clearance
- Reduce foot slap
- Stabilise the ankle
- Control unwanted movement
- Influence the knee
- Improve walking confidence
- Reduce compensatory high-stepping
AFOs range from lightweight elastic supports to leaf-spring plastic, solid, hinged, carbon-fibre and custom-made devices.
The correct option depends on:
- The cause of foot drop
- Muscle tone
- Ankle stability
- Knee control
- Sensation
- Foot shape
- Activity
- Footwear
- Required support
The Boxia® may suit selected users with flaccid foot drop who require lightweight dorsiflexion assistance. More complex weakness, spasticity, deformity or instability may require a structured or custom-made AFO.
An AFO supports walking but does not cure the underlying cause. New or worsening foot drop should be medically assessed.
