Lower extremity orthoses are braces and supports for the leg, hip, knee, ankle, and foot. They can be used for a range of needs from stability to immobilization and can work independently or in conjunction with one another to create a wide range of options.
Numerous issues can cause problems in the lower part of the body and finding the right orthosis is important. We offer numerous devices for the lower extremity and are experts in determining which is right for you.
Most people recognize the term “orthotics” as inserts for the shoes, but the foot is very complex and attention to detail, anatomy, and biomechanics is important.
For everyone who comes to our office, we dive deeply into how their foot and ankle respond during weight bearing and design the proper inserts for maximum function and comfort.
This is way beyond store-bought inserts! This may include extra-depth or custom shoes, custom insoles, healing shoes, shoe modifications, and/or a variety of ankle-foot orthoses.
Orthotics are made of many different materials. Soft orthotics are beneficial if cushioning is required. Semi-rigid orthotics provide more stability and shock absorption, while rigid orthotics provide maximum support and stability.
Our orthotics are custom-made and designed to fit easily into most casual or sports shoes. After an initial break-in period, orthotics should feel comfortable. The foot and knees need time to adapt to new orthotics. If the orthotics are not comfortable in two to three weeks, they may need to be adjusted.
An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is an orthosis or brace (usually plastic) that surrounds the ankle and at least part of the foot. AFOs are externally applied and intended to control position and motion of the ankle, compensate for weakness, or correct deformities.
Ankle-Foot Orthoses offered by Allen Orthopedic Labs:
A knee orthosis is an external device constructed of lightweight and durable metals and high-density materials. It’s used to stabilize and support an injured knee and its surrounding ligaments, tendons, and muscles. A knee orthosis extends above and below the knee to provide healing support for injuries, diseases, inflammations, post-surgical recovery, and rehabilitation.
Allen Orthopedic Labs has the latest technology and can fit you with an off-the-shelf solution or custom fabricated design tailored to your exact condition. Your doctor will know which brace is right for you and will prescribe a device that will aid in pain relief and recovery. Our braces cover the following conditions:
- ACL injury
- Chondromalacia
- Combined Instability (ACL plus PCL)
- General Instability
- General Knee Pain
- Hyperextension
- Impact Prevention
- LCL Injury
- MCL Injury
- Meniscal Injury
- Osgood-Schlatters
- Osteoarthritis
- Patella Dislocation
- Patella Dysfunction
- Patella Tendonitis
- PCL Injury
- Post-Operative Rehabilitation
Knee Orthoses offered by Allen Orthopedic Labs:
A knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) is a long-leg orthosis that spans the knee, the ankle, and the foot to stabilize the joints and assist leg muscles. While there are several needs for such an orthosis, muscle weakness and paralysis of the leg are most frequently identified. The most common causes of muscle weakness include poliomyelitis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury.
There are dozens of different styles, types, and brands of knee-ankle-foot orthotic braces. We custom manufacture KAFOs for more specific applications or at the request of your physician.
Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses offered by Allen Orthopedic Labs:
The hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis (HKAFO) is a knee-ankle-foot-orthosis (KAFO) with an extension of hip joint and pelvic components. This device is used on patients requiring more stability of the hip and lower torso.
With an HKAFO, the hip section and hip joint of the brace stabilize and align with the lower leg, reducing unwanted motion and energy expenditure while also increasing steps per minute.
HKAFOs are used for patients with paraplegia, spina bifida, recurrent hip dislocation, and other high neurological impairments.
Hip-Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses offered by Allen Orthopedic Labs:
A CROW boot is often described as a cross between an ankle-foot orthosis and a custom boot designed to provide total contact for weight distribution.
The CROW was originally designed for patients with severe deformity of the foot and ankle due to acute nerve damage, which is mostly caused by diabetes. Its unique design encloses the entire lower limb, completely surrounding the ankle and foot with a built-in sole that accommodates the rocker bottom shape of the Charcot foot.
Individuals with Charcot deformity are inclined to have skin breakdowns, which turn into sores and get worse if proper attention is not taken. To avoid the risk of amputation, the CROW boot is prescribed.
The CROW supports the Charcot foot with a specially designed padding on the inside that absorbs shock to the tender areas. This brace is constructed to allow sores and the whole foot to heal.
CROW boots are prescribed specifically for the management, healing, and/or prevention of:
- Charcot Joints
- Neuropathic Ulcerations
- Foot Ulcers
- Insensate Feet
- Charcot Disease
- Charcot Foot and Ankle
- Charcot Deterioration
- Trauma
- Pre and Post-Surgical Intervention of Mid and Hind Foot
- Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy
- Other Chronic Illnesses
Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walkers (CROW) offered by Allen Orthopedic Labs:
Night splints are flexible, lightweight braces designed to treat foot and ankle disorders, such as plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, heel and ankle pain (bone spurs) and injuries. Night splints are designed to hold the foot in place during sleep. The splints are typically taken off when the patient wakes in the morning.
