AFOs are an insert that can be inserted into most shoes or slippers for added comfort, support, and stability. AFOs work by absorbing pressure from the heel and distributing it more evenly through the foot, which can improve your mobility, gait, and posture. In this piece, we will look at seven tips for wearing AFO.
- Start Slow
It can take time to get used to wearing AFOs, particularly if you have never worn them before or if you are not accustomed to wearing any inserts. This is because they must be broken in slowly, and they can take some getting used to. If you use the inserts for long periods of time the first day, back off. Give your body a chance to adjust and get used to doing walking with support, in addition to giving your feet a chance to adjust and get used to the way of moving with supports. Once your feet get used to the inserts, increase the time you wear them.
- Don’t Wear Them Everywhere You Go
The main reason for wearing an AFO is to help improve your flexibility and mobility. If you wear them everywhere you go, you will not be able to use them in all ways, and this can lead to reduced effectiveness. By ensuring that you only wear AFOs when they are in use, the benefits will remain in practice and not be lost.
- Keep Them Clean And Moisture Free
AFOs absorb some of the pressure your heels give while walking. If they become wet or covered in sweat, you may find that they are less effective at doing this. It is best to keep them clean and dry so that you can always be sure that they are working as they should.
- Don’t Give Up On The Old Ones
AFOs can be worn for long periods of time, particularly if needed for support. However, the inserts may very well wear out over time and become less effective. If this happens, do not throw away the old ones straight away. You can try modifying them by adding extra padding or by changing the way they are worn. If this does not work, you can always look for something new.
- Take Them Out When You Are Not Walking
If you are sitting for a long period of time or staying in one place for a long period of time, it is best to remove your inserts and rest your feet. They will feel more refreshed once you start walking again and for longer periods of time after the resting period. If you are walking around frequently and stay on the go all day long, then leaving the AFO in is perfectly fine. However, if you are not in a good walk and move around all day, you may want to take them out first.
- Use Them With Sole Support If Needed
AFOs are designed to be worn without any other support. However, if your foot does not fit well in an AFO brace and you need some extra support for your feet, this is perfectly fine. AFOs work best when used with no support and when standing straight on hard surfaces. However, if you need extra support for your feet, this can be done by wearing sole support.
- Don’t Be Afraid To Take Them Out For A Run
AFOs are made to be worn when walking, not running, or jogging. If you are walking long distances on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt and you are doing high-speed movements with your feet, it is best to take the AFO off or switch them with a different pair of inserts. The reason is that they are not made to be worn while doing high-speed movements.
Also, wear them while wearing socks. Some people wear their shoes without socks to ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the foot. This can lead to them slipping out of place, which can cause some of your extra pressure to be absorbed by other parts of your foot. Wearing AFOs with socks can stop this from happening and ensure that the inserts are working effectively.
In conclusion, AFOs are a great insert that can help improve your mobility, flexibility, and posture. However, they are not a magic remedy. They will work better if they are worn properly and in the right way. If you follow only one tip from this piece, make it the tip that wearing AFOs will lead to better mobility, support, and posture.