Swedish AFO Extra Strong Foot Drop Ankle and Foot Support
It can seem impossible to find an AFO that supports drop foot while remaining flexible enough to allow a comfortable gait. The Swedish AFO Extra Strong Foot Drop Ankle and Foot Support stabilises the ankle at the ideal level of dorsiflexion and provides a natural spring on the up-step, making it the perfect solution for flaccid foot drop caused by neurological impairment. Heat mouldable and trimmable to fit almost any shoe, this discreet support can be worn daily to make awkward trips and falls from foot drop a thing of the past.
What's Included?
- 1 x AFO Foot Drop Support
Which Size Swedish AFO (Ankle Foot Orthosis) Do I Need?
The Swedish Ankle Foot Orthosis is available in four sizes. Simply use your UK shoe size and select the correct AFO from the table below.
For a more tailored fit, we recommend measuring the length and width of your foot (as shown below) before consulting the sizing chart below. If your foot length falls within two sizes, it is advised that you select the larger size as the AFO can be trimmed down.
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| Size | UK Shoe Size | Dimensions (Length x Width) |
| Small | UK Size 3 - 5.5 | 238 x 74mm |
| Medium | UK Size 6.5 - 9 | 275 x 93mm |
| Large | UK Size 8 - 10 | 284 x 94mm |
| Extra Large | UK Size 10.5+ | 295 x 94mm |
Please note that the UK shoe sizes listed above are for reference only, as the foot length measurement is a more precise fitting metric.
Why Do These Dimensions Matter?
Foot dimensions matter because the baseplate of the orthotic behaves like an insole, cradling your foot while the rest of the AFO supports the ankle. If you take the measurement of your foot at the longest and widest point, you can tailor the baseplate of the orthotic to perfectly fit your foot and shoe.
How Tall Is a Swedish AFO Foot Support?
Please view the information below to see just how far up your leg your AFO Support will reach:
- Small: 28cm
- Medium: 29cm
- Large: 34cm
- Extra Large: 39cm
Can I Trim This Support?
Yes, you can trim the Swedish AFO to ensure it fits comfortably into your footwear. This can be done with heavy-duty scissors, and is easiest when done in conjunction with a heat moulding device (or hair dryer) to soften the material before cutting. Please exercise caution when trimming your AFO, as it cannot be returned once trimmed.
How Do I Fit My Swedish AFO?
Where necessary, the AFO Foot and Ankle Support can be trimmed at the end of the foot section with scissors so it fits you as closely as possible. The edges can be brushed with sandpaper to ensure no sharp elements are left that may catch on the shoe or skin. Where necessary, the AFO can be thermoformed to ensure that it conforms perfectly to the leg.
Next, perform the following actions to fit the support to your foot and ankle:
- Insert the AFO into the shoe
- Put the shoe on with the AFO already inserted
- Fasten the pad on the calf
- Pull the Velcro strap around the calf
- Where necessary, use the included foot strap to secure the support
Key Features and Benefits
- Designed to provide comfortable support to those with drop foot
- Made with lightweight carbon fibre and reinforced plastic for durability and spring
- Materials provide a spring on the up-step to support a more natural gait
- Footplate is easily trimmed for the best fit possible
- Extremely easy to apply and remove for improved compliance
- Included carbon fibre improves 'memory' of the brace for better assistance
- Open-heel design allows the AFO to fit easily into most footwear
- Provides excellent assistance for improving dorsiflexion
- Supplied with an easily attachable instep strap
- Foot strap helps prevent migration
Which Conditions Is This Support Designed For?
The Swedish Extra Strong Foot Drop Foot Support is effective for the following conditions:
- Drop foot/drag foot
- Flaccid foot drop after neurological impairment
- Moderate spastic equinus foot
- Muscle weakness
- Recovery from nerve injury or surgery
Will It Fit My Leg Circumference?
The Swedish Extra Strong AFO features a strap design that allows for easy adjustment. Due to this, it should be suitable for most users.
Will the Swedish AFO Fit In My Shoe?
The Swedish AFO is suitable for use with most kinds of footwear, from trainers, to boots, to slippers. The open heel makes it highly versatile, allowing it to fit into the vast majority of footwear with ease. For tight footwear, the AFO can be trimmed to fit.
How Durable Is The Swedish AFO?
As the name suggests, this Swedish AFO is extra strong. It's made with carbon fibre, providing a good deal of rigidity and strength while still retaining the 'spring' needed to provide a comfortable and natural gait.
Is This AFO Better Than a Plastic Support?
While most braces for foot drop are made of plastic, this support is manufactured with carbon fibre and reinforced plastic. These materials make this drop foot support stronger than other similar versions, and provide it with slightly more spring to provide a more natural walking pattern.
Is This Support Comfortable?
The Swedish AFO Extra Strong Support features an open heel to fit into most shoes easily. The design of this 'foot up splint' has been updated recently to improve its strength while remaining light. Constructed with calf padding, the support helps prevent unpleasant pressure from building so you remain at ease throughout use.
Will the Swedish AFO Get Hot in the Summer?
Compared to similar supports, this AFO is made with a lower profile and breathable design. This will help to keep it cool in the summer, and will minimise the chance of overheating.
Will I Be Able to Walk Comfortably With the Swedish AFO?
The spring effect that this support provides helps to stabilise your joint, providing a slight assistance when lifting off for each step. This results in a smoother and much more natural gait that makes walking more comfortable for the user.
How Thick Is the Swedish AFO?
The base of the Swedish AFO has a thickness of 2mm which allows it to seamlessly and easily fit inside the shoe of the user.
Is This Item Available with VAT Relief?
Yes, this product is eligible for VAT relief. If you are eligible to claim relief from VAT, you can complete the self-certification form available on our VAT Relief page, where more information on the subject is available.
Is The Swedish AFO Discreet?
This support is made with a relatively slim design, meaning it will be discreet when worn with most clothing. If you're looking for another style of AFO that may be more comfortable and discreet when wearing some types of footwear or clothing, we recommend the Ossur Foot Up Drop Foot Support.
Can I Exercise Wearing the Swedish AFO?
Without knowing the exact circumstances of each and every individual, it's impossible to advise or recommend any level of exercise. We recommend you consult your GP or relevant healthcare professional before undertaking any exercise with an AFO on.
Washing Instructions
Hand wash the calf pad in lukewarm water (30°C) with neutral soap, then rinse thoroughly and dry away from heat. When you wash the plastic section of the AFO, simply wipe with a sponge soaked in a solution of warm water and neutral detergent, then dry it with a cloth.
