Aircast AirLift PTTD Ankle Brace for Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), otherwise known as adult acquired flat foot, can cause pain, swelling and even arthritis in the foot, as well as reducing mobility. In order to prevent or stall onset of the condition, it is vital to provide proper stabilisation and support.
The Aircast AirLift PTTD Ankle Brace for Posterior Tibial Tendonitis is specifically designed to treat PTTD as part of a conservative treatment to prevent its degeneration, or post-surgically and during rehabilitation. This PTTD Ankle Brace is available in three sizes for either the left or right foot; please select your desired options using the drop-down menus at the top of the page.
What's Included with the Aircast PTTD Brace?
This PTTD Brace includes everything you need to use it straight out of the box. This includes:
Sizing of the Aircast Flat Foot Brace
Available in three different sizes, the AirLift PTTD Ankle Brace provides you with a tailored fit. To find out which size you require, please consult the table below.
| Size | UK Male Shoe Size | UK Female Shoe Size |
| Small | Size 6 and Under | Size 6.5 and Under |
| Medium | Size 6.5 - 8.5 | Size 6.5 - 9.5 |
| Large | Size 9 and Above | Size 10 and Above |
How to Get the Most Comfortable Fit
- The Aircast AirLift is designed primarily for wear with trainers
- Loosening the tightness of your laces slightly can drastically improve comfort
- Wearing with loose fitting shoes is the best way to get a really comfortable fit
- Ensuring the "mouth" of your shoe isn't too tight maximises room for your brace
Who Can Benefit from the Aircast AirLift PTTD Brace?
Untreated PTTD can lead to limitations on walking, running and other activities. Using the AirLift brace when early symptoms of PTTD appear can help users to reduce the need for surgery at a later date. Alternatively, the AirLift can be used as a post-operative tool, helping to expedite your rehabilitation and get you back into activities. The AirLift Brace is suitable for treating the following conditions:
- Adult-acquired flat foot
- PTTD (posterior tibial tendon dysfunction – stage one and early stage two)
- Posterior tibial tendonitis
- Tendinopathy
- Post-operative use
- Rehabilitation
- Low, weak, collapsed or painful arches
How Does the AirLift Posterior Tibial Tendonitis Brace Provide Arch Support?
Designed with an AirLift aircell that's located under the foot arch, the AirLift PTTD Ankle Brace is adjustable using the integrated inflation system by pressing the blue button. When inflated, the aircell can accommodate variances in arch shapes or height and comfortably lifts the foot arch to achieve a more natural foot position. The aircell can even be inflated while you wear shoes for easy adjustment.
What Is PTTD?
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, also known as posterior tibial tendonitis, is a condition that impairs the posterial tibial tendon's ability to support the arch of the foot. This results in flattening of the foot, and if left untreated can lead to the development of adult acquired flatfoot, accompanied by pain, swelling and inward rolling of the foot (pronation). A supportive brace like the Aircast AirLift as an ideal non-invasive treatment, helping to support your arches to normalise your walking pattern to avoid pain.
Is the AirLift Brace Easy to Apply?
The Aircast AirLift Ankle Brace is designed for easy application and adjustment, using an innovative rear entry design which allows you to slip your foot into the back of the brace. Two straps secure the brace and can be used to adjust the fit of the support. These patient-friendly elements make the AirLift easier to apply than custom braces and eliminate time-consuming lacing, helping to improve the likelihood that you will wear the brace.
How Do I Adjust the Aircell Compression?
To adjust the compression of the aircell, simply press the blue inflation button as shown in the image below. Continue to inflate until the brace is snug, but still comfortable. In case of over-inflation, the aircell can be deflated by pressing the silver button located beside the blue button.
Is This Ankle Brace Suitable for Arch Pain?
Yes, the aircell in the AirLift PTTD Ankle Brace helps to lift and support the arch of the foot, leading to relief of pain and more comfort while walking, in addition to relief of the tibialis posterior. If you require additional arch support, we would recommend using a shoe insoles that provides arch support such as the Superfeet Green Performance Insoles.
How Durable is the Aircell?
The inflatable aircell in this PTTD Ankle Brace is highly durable, and should be able to withstand enough pressure to support virtually any user. In fact, the aircell has been tested to withstand 2000lbs of pressure at a time.
Can I Use This PTTD Splint Running or Weightlifting?
As mentioned above, the aircell in this ankle brace is tested to withstand up to 2000lb of pressure, making it suitable for sporting applications. It can be worn while running, as well as during athletics and weightlifting.
Can I Wear the PTTD Brace with Shoes?
This PTTD Brace is designed to fit into your shoes, but when the aircell is inflated it may make the fit of your regular shoes very tight. We would recommend that you fully loosen your shoes before putting your foot in with the ankle brace, and then lace up your shoes once your foot fits in. In some cases, it may be more comfortable to use a slightly larger or looser trainer or tennis shoe in place of your usual footwear.
Can I Use the AirLift Ankle Brace After Surgery?
Yes, this ankle brace is designed for post-surgical use as directed by your physician.
Is the Aircast PTTD Brace Suitable for Lateral Sprains?
The PTTD brace provides mild stability and ligament support as a secondary feature, making it suitable for use with minor ankle injuries. The brace is primarily designed to help with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.
If you require an ankle support with no other requirements, we recommend purchasing the AirCast A60 or the AirCast Airsport.
Is This Brace Suitable for Flat Feet?
Yes, this pump up ankle brace provides great arch support, making it suitable for low arches, weak arches, collapsed arches and flat feet.
How Long Should I Use This Brace For?
This brace can provide important support and stabilisation for your ankle and arches, and we would recommend you continue to use it until otherwise directed by your physician.
Should I Use This PTTD Brace with My Orthotic?
In some cases, using this brace with a shoe insole or orthotic that provides arch support may place too much pressure on your arches. Use with an orthotic should be based on comfort, or direction from your doctor.
Is This Brace Suitable for Foot Drop?
No, unfortunately this ankle brace is not suitable for treatment of foot drop or drop foot. For foot drop, we would recommend an AFO such as the Swedish AFO Extra Strong Foot Drop Ankle and Foot Support.
Can I Wear This Brace Without Shoes?
If you are using this brace while walking around your house, a shoe will most likely not be necessary. Once you leave the house the support of a shoe will be necessary, and we would recommend using a loose trainer or tennis shoe.
Features and Benefits of the AirLift PTTD Brace
- Can be used for conservative treatment or post-surgical use
- Adjustable arch aircell using the integrated inflation button
- Can help stabilise your condition or prevent its degeneration
- Ideal for PTTD (Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction) or posterior tibial tendonitis
- Provides relief from pain related to tendonitis and tendinopathy
- Provides you with a more natural foot position
- Can be comfortably worn even for prolonged periods
- Suitable for use during sleeping
- Helps align the ankle and support your foot
- Anatomically-designed semi-rigid shells for secure ankle stability
- Step-in design and simple two strap application facilitates easy application
AirLift Integrated Aircell
The AirLift aircell, located under the foot arch, is adjustable using the blue inflation button. When inflated, the aircell can accommodate variances in arch shapes and heights and comfortably lifts the foot arch to achieve a more natural foot position. For ease of use, aircell inflation can be adjusted while wearing footwear.
Easy Application and Adjustment
The AirLift is designed for easy application and adjustment. The brace uses an innovative rear entry design which allows the patient to slip their foot into the back of the brace. Two straps secure the brace and can be used to adjust fit. These patient-friendly design elements make the AirLift easier to apply than custom braces, eliminate time consuming lacing, and help improve patient compliance.
