Orthotic SPECIALISTS AFO Installation guide

TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Care and Cleaning
Both you and your orthosis must be kept clean to
minimize dirt and bacteria accumulation.
· Wash your skin daily with soap and wa-
ter; pay special attention to bottom of
foot and between toes
· Dry skin completely before putting on
your device.
· Wash your device with soap and water
· Wipe out your device with rubbing alco-
hol
Do not soak your device or use a hair dryer or
any other heat source.
Please remember . . .
· Daily skin examination is essential
· Skin redness should disappear within a
half hour
· Check stockings for wrinkles or any
foreign object
· Call your orthotist if redness or dis-
comfort persists
Wearing Schedule
Wear your new orthosis one hour on the first
day, increasing by one hour each day, until item
can be worn without skin irritation or any dis-
comfort for a full day. Should any discomfort or
redness interfere with the ability to increase time
each day, please call our office immediately.
Follow-up visits
Follow-up visits are important for the fit and
function of your orthotic device. If you cannot
keep a scheduled appointment, please inform our
office.
Your follow-up visit has been scheduled at this
office in _____ days/weeks.
WEAR AND
CARE GUIDE
ORTHOTIC SPECIALISTS
KAFO/AFO
Contact Us . . .
 Check your skin daily for redness that lasts long-
er than a half hour. Your orthosis should not
cause any callus formation, blisters, or other skin
trauma. If any signs of trauma occur, remove
your orthosis immediately and promptly con-
tact our office.
 Orthoses must also be checked regularly for any
cracks or abnormal wear. Your orthosis is made
of plastic, which is extremely slippery and can be
brittle on a hard surface. Over time plastic
cracks. Small cracks can be repaired, but large
cracks usually require a replacement orthosis.
Call immediately if you notice anything
unusual.
 Sudden discomfort or redness may indicate that
a growth adjustment is required, or there is a
change in condition and your orthotist should
be contacted.
Thank you for making Orthotic Specialists,
Inc. your choice. We appreciate your confidence.
Our goal is to work closely with you and your
doctor to ensure your comfort, mobility, and
peace of mind.
51 E. Monterey Way, Phoenix, Arizona

General Instructions
There are different ways of putting on an orthosis. At
your final fitting, your orthotist will demonstrate
and explain the most appropriate method for you to
put on and remove your orthosis.
 Your orthosis must be worn with shoes and thin
cotton socks/stockings. Socks/stockings reduce
friction and protect your skin from perspiration,
and should be as long as the orthosis and wrinkle
free. Wrinkles can cause pressure areas on the skin.
 Natural fibers such as cotton allow better air circu-
lation and absorption. Try to avoid using fabric
softeners that can cause rashes.
 Talcum powder, not moisturizer, is recommended
for use inside stockings.
 Your orthosis was designed and fabricated for a
specific heel height. Your shoes must be the same
heel height or your knee
may feel unstable.
 Appropriate shoes are very important for comfort,
function , and stability. We recommend sneakers,
walking shoes, and orthopedic extra-depth shoes.
Your orthotist can assist with shoe choices. In
Arizona’s heat, athletic sandals are an alternative.
Natural materials like leather breathe better and keep
feet cooler and happier.
WEAR AND CARE
Self-examination
Your orthosis was designed and fabricated to fit
you with maximum comfort. Like a new pair of
shoes, it may take time before the orthosis feels
natural. Some patients have limited or no sensa-
tion in their legs and/or feet. Self-examination and
a slow, consistent break-in period are
very im-
portant. This allows soft tissue adaptation and pre-
vents the formation of calluses and ulcers. It may
take as long as one month before your orthosis
can be worn full time.
 Always follow your orthotist’s instructions re-
garding the length of time to wear the orthosis
to build up tolerance.
 Properly fit orthoses exert firm, steady pressure
to control the abnormal functions of limbs. An
orthosis should fit well enough to avoid sharp
pain, bruises, calluses, or blisters.
 Extended periods of standing or hot, humid
weather can result in legs and feet swelling. If
you experience swelling, remove the orthosis
and elevate your legs until the swelling disap-
pears.
 Your weight must remain constant. Weight
fluctuations can cause orthoses to function or
fit improperly.
 Growth plays an important role in orthosis fit.
Children need to be monitored for growth to
ensure continued comfort and function.
Remember, if you experience any discomfort,
swelling, or redness remove your orthosis and call
our office as soon as possible.
Your new orthosis was designed by a certified
orthotist using the highest standards of
modern medical technology. The orthotists at
Orthotic Specialists, Inc. are professionally
trained to evaluate, fabricate, fit, and maintain
your custom-made orthosis.
Patients with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy,
peripheral vascular disease, or reduced skin sen-
sation must be extra cautious. Examine your
feet and ankles daily. Even minor skin irrita-
tions should be treated promptly.
51 E. Monterey Way
Phoenix, Arizona85012
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
ORTHOTIC SPECIALISTS