Hanger Clinic AFO User manual
Your Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) has been
custom-designed to help you achieve your
personal rehabilitation goals. These instructions
will help you correctly use and care for your
AFO. If you have any specific questions about
your care plan, please contact your clinician.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your orthotist will make sure your AFO fits properly and that
you feel comfortable putting on and removing the brace.
Regular follow-up appointments are important to assess the
fit and function of your AFO and your ongoing orthotic and
rehabilitation goals.
PROPER FOOTWEAR
Your AFO was designed with your shoe in mind. Even the
height of your shoe’s heel makes a dierence. Ask your
clinician about shoe recommendations.
PUTTING ON YOUR AFO
Your orthotist will determine how to put on your specific AFO,
but below are some general guidelines:
1. Always wear a clean sock that reaches as high
as the top of the brace. Smooth out any wrinkles.
2. Be sure your heel has good contact with the
bottom of the AFO.
3. If your AFO has an ankle strap, tighten it first
to hold your heel down in the AFO.
4. Next, tighten the calf strap. Note that most AFOs use
a hook and loop closure (like Velcro) to secure the strap.
If your AFO has a dierent closure, your orthotist will
show you how to tighten and close your particular device.
5. Now that you have secured the AFO to your leg, slide
the AFO into your shoe using a shoe horn if necessary.
HELPFUL TIP #1: Removing the shoe insole
allows more room for the AFO.
HELPFUL TIP #2: Be sure to tighten the shoe
laces or fasteners on your shoes snugly.
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Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)
Wear & Care Guide
WEARING SCHEDULE
Your clinician will provide a personalized break-in schedule that will help you gradually increase the number of
hours per day the AFO is worn. In general, we suggest you start wearing your AFO for two hours per day, gradually
increasing use over the course of a week as long as you are not experiencing pain or noticing any signs of redness
or irritation. A typical wearing schedule may look something like this:
SKIN CARE
Check your skin daily. Redness that lasts longer than 20 minutes after you take o the AFO can be a warning sign
that there are excessive pressures that might develop into problems later on. Additionally, your AFO should not
cause pain. If redness does not go away within 20 minutes after removing the AFO or if skin or bone soreness
develops, contact your clinician.
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
• Most AFOs are made with low-maintenance materials that are easily cleaned.
• In general, when needed, we recommend cleaning with warm water and mild soap, rinse, and dry. Please review
your specific AFO care with your clinician.
• The AFO will not absorb water, but the straps, strap pads, and any padding inside the AFO will need time to dry.
• Inspect regularly. If there are any noticeable signs of wear, such as cracks, stress marks, sharp edges, loose
attachment screws, rivets, or strap fraying, contact your clinician.
• AFOs DO NOT like extreme temperatures. They can become brittle in extreme cold and can warp in extreme heat.
APPOINTMENT SCHEDULE
Follow-up appointments are important to ensure the proper fit and function of your AFO. Your clinician will schedule
your first follow-up appointment two weeks after you receive your brace. You will then need to schedule follow-ups
every six months for the first year. Here is an example of what your journey may look like:
As you go through this journey, remember
you are not alone. Your clinician is available
to answer your questions and support
you in any way they can.
Visit HangerClinic.com/AFO to learn more.
DAY 1
2 hours
DAY 2
4 hours
DAY 3
6 hours
DAY 4
8 hours
DAY 5
10 hours
DAY 6
All Day
DAY 7
All Day
• Check that everything is going well and answer any questions
• Evaluate the fit of the AFO and make any adjustments
• Make any adjustments
• Review your orthotic and rehabilitation goals
TWO WEEK FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS EVERY 6 MONTHS
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