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Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis (DAFO) in New Mexico
At PrimeCare, we design top-quality Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis (DAFO) braces to help children achieve greater stability and ease of movement. Serving the Las Cruces area, our compassionate team combines personalized care with advanced technology to create custom solutions tailored to the unique needs of each child. We’re dedicated to improving comfort, function, and confidence with every brace we design.
Let’s explore DAFO braces so you can better understand how they help and whether or not they can benefit you.
What Is DAFO?
Let’s start with the basics. Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthoses are specialized braces designed to guide the foot and ankle into a functional position. Unlike rigid ankle foot orthoses, DAFOs are crafted from thin, flexible materials that wrap closely around the patient’s entire foot and lower leg. This design allows for controlled motion while providing essential support and alignment to enhance the walking pattern and facilitate more natural mobility.
Custom-made for each individual, DAFOs promote proper foot and ankle alignment, reduce unwanted plantar flexion, and encourage a safe range of movement. They are particularly effective for children, offering improved stability and flexibility for active muscle engagement. Another benefit is that DAFO braces can be discreetly worn with most footwear and are an excellent choice for patients who need advanced control without sacrificing comfort.
Why Would Someone Need to Use a DAFO?
DAFO addresses various conditions that affect mobility and posture. These devices make a significant difference in a patient's ability to walk independently and safely.
Common reasons for a DAFO include:
— Foot Supination or Pronation: Helps correct misalignment caused by excessive inward or outward rolling of the foot during walking.
— Equinus Gait: Toe-walking caused by tightness in the Achilles tendon or a restricted ankle range of motion.
— Plantar Flexed Ankle: Foot pointing downward due to muscle weakness or injury that requires additional support to keep the foot aligned.
— Clubfoot: Used later in rehabilitation to provide passive support and keep the foot in neutral alignment after surgical correction.
— Cerebral Palsy and Spina Bifida: For children with neurological impairments that affect muscle strength and coordination, DAFOs provide stability and encourage proper gait.
— Hypertonia or Hypotonia: Provides support for both high and low muscle tone, helping to reduce the risk of falls and improve overall stability.
— Ankle Instability in Older Adults: Helps with balance and reduces the risk of ankle twists or falls due to age-related muscle weakness or degenerative joint conditions.
Experience the Difference with Custom DAFO Orthotics
Reach out to PrimeCare today and discover the perfect solution for your needs!
How to Put On a Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis
Ensuring your child’s DAFO is fitted correctly is key to their comfort and the effectiveness of the brace. We’ve outlined a simple, step-by-step guide to help you fit the DAFO properly, so you can have peace of mind that it provides the support your child needs while being comfortable to wear.
Get Your Child Comfortable
Have your child sit in a relaxed position with their knee bent and their foot flat on the floor. This helps the foot naturally align in the brace for easier fitting.Prepare the Sock or Liner
Before putting on the DAFO, smooth out any wrinkles in the sock or liner. This ensures it fits comfortably and snugly inside the brace and avoids discomfort.Open the DAFO
Fully open the top or front of the DAFO so there’s enough room to gently slide your child’s foot in. You want the opening to be wide enough to make the fitting easy.Insert the Foot
Carefully guide your child’s foot into the brace. Start by working his or her heel into the back of the DAFO, ensuring the foot stays aligned as you do this. You can gently wiggle or adjust the brace up and down to help position the foot correctly.
Position the Instep Pad (If There Is One)
If the DAFO has an instep pad, lift one side of the top opening and gently place part of the pad under the brace shell. Repeat this on the other side of the pad. This helps cushion the arch of the foot and adds extra comfort and support.Secure the Foot in the Brace
Once the foot is in place, give the brace a gentle massage around the instep and top of the brace. This helps ensure the foot is comfortably settled and the brace is positioned correctly.Fasten the Straps
Start by securing the ankle (instep) strap, which holds the lower part of the DAFO in place. Make sure the heel is seated back in the brace. Next, fasten the straps around the forefoot and/or calf to secure the upper parts of the brace. The straps should be snug but not too tight — just enough to keep the brace secure without causing discomfort.Final Check
After the straps are in place, check to ensure the foot is properly aligned in the brace. The DAFO should feel secure, but not too tight. Your child should be comfortable and the brace shouldn’t pinch or cause any discomfort. Finally, check that the straps are even and not cutting off circulation.
Benefits of DAFO Braces
PrimeCare’s Comprehensive DAFO Creation Process
- Comprehensive Assessment
Our experienced orthotists start by conducting a thorough evaluation, which includes analyzing your gait and discussing your specific challenges and goals. We take a holistic approach that helps us to design a DAFO that effectively addresses your requirements.
- Precise Measurement and Casting
To achieve a custom fit, we take detailed measurements and create a cast of your foot and ankle. This cast serves as the foundation for fabricating a DAFO that conforms precisely to your anatomy. The result is a fit that is both comfortable and functions well.
- Expert Fabrication
Utilizing the cast, our skilled technicians craft your custom DAFO, incorporating soft padding and selecting appropriate materials to enhance comfort and support. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail which ensures the orthosis can be worn comfortably throughout the day.
- Personalized Fitting and Adjustment
Once fabricated, we schedule a fitting session where the DAFO is carefully placed on your foot. Our orthotists make any necessary adjustments to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. We’re always here to offer guidance on proper usage and care.
- Ongoing Review and Support
We believe in continuous care and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and make further adjustments if needed. We want you to have peace of mind that your DAFO will continue to meet your evolving needs.
Why Choose PrimeCare for DAFO Orthotic Solutions?
Personalized Care
Cutting-Edge Technology
Experienced, Compassionate Team
Patient Success Stories
Insurance and Financing
Before starting treatment, we provide clear estimates so you can make informed decisions about your care. With PrimeCare by your side, you can feel confident in your journey toward improved function and a higher quality of life, knowing that both your health and financial concerns are well taken care of.
Get Customized DAFO Solutions in New Mexico
PrimeCare in Las Cruces is here to serve El Paso, Ciudad Juarez, and surrounding areas with expert-fitting Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthoses. Contact us today to get started.
Mon-Fri: 9:00am-5:00pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
FAQ
What are some common complications of using a Dynamic AFO (DAFO)?
While a Dynamic AFO (DAFO) can offer significant benefits, a few complications may arise, often due to improper fit or incorrect usage.
Common issues include:
— Increased soreness around the big toe or ankle joint
— Altered biomechanics and postural changes from not receiving professional orthosis training
— Heel pain
— Pressure on the foot caused by wearing shoes that aren't suited for the orthosis
— Skin irritation or overheating while wearing the device
One simple way to avoid these complications is to ensure the device fits properly and to wear the recommended shoes. Regular follow-ups with your orthotist and replacing your orthosis as advised will also help reduce these risks.How is a Dynamic AFO (DAFO) different from a Rigid AFO (R-AFO)?
The main difference between a Dynamic AFO and a Rigid AFO lies in their flexibility and how much stability they provide. While both support the same regions of the leg, there are some differences to note:
— Rigid AFO (R-AFO) provides maximum stability by locking the ankle in place, offering no room for movement. This is ideal for patients who need firm support and balance.
— Dynamic AFO (DAFO), on the other hand, is more flexible and allows for controlled movement while still providing essential support. This makes it a better option for patients who need some freedom of motion but still require ankle support.
The choice between these two types depends on the patient's condition, expected outcomes, and how their body adjusts to the orthosis. If you’re unsure which option is best for your needs, we encourage you to consult with your orthotist.