AFOs

[bklynlexirae]

Hi- traveling with my newly walking toddler who will also have brand new AFOs. Any tips or tricks to AFOs and heat? We will of course have her stroller with us.

 

[gap2368]

You are getting the stroller tagged as a wheelchair?

 

[bklynlexirae]

You are getting the stroller tagged as a wheelchair?

 

[bklynlexirae]

I might. I think she will be ok with standing in lines, so I don’t think we need the wheelchair tag.

 

[gap2368]

I might. I think she will be ok with standing in lines, so I don’t think we need the wheelchair tag.

You can always go and get one

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'm about to get AFOs, so would appreciate hearing any heat recommendations too.

 

[Ltfightr]

When we went the first time, our 10 year old had AFOs. We made sure he always had long socks that went over the top of his braces so they didn’t rub any where. Carry extra socks with you also so his feet can stay dry. Baby powder can help also.

 

[Belle1962]

Would that Body Glide stuff help with rubbing?

 

[Ltfightr]

I'm not sure. It's not so much rubbing because if they have been fitted correctly they shouldn't really rub badly, you more want something for sweat. You might also check with her PT/OT on their thoughts.

 

[Flynn's Gal]

My daughter has always used Smartknit socks with her AFOs. They're thick, but also absorbent. I believe she has had fewer blisters in her lifetime from wearing them.

 

[elvispursley]

I'm a retired OT who worked with AFOs a lot. Make sure you check several times a day for "hot spots" that might be developing from walking, even with use of long socks (always make sure skin is protected)! Take along some moleskin in case you need to protect a place from rubbing. Make sure you have your therapist/orthotist's number in case you need to call and ask a question. Good Luck!

 

[ifyourhappy]

Socks that cover the entire AFO and baby powder are MUST HAVES! Along with having an extra pair or two to swap out during the day Although try to avoid any with thick ribbing in the calf area, those actually gave my son welts. Its been 10 years at this point but 'I think' our favorite brand were something called cloud socks.. Or softer than a cloud socks.. Sheesh, I'm sorry i really wish i could remember exactly.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I just got a tip from someone the other night. If you can, take out the insole in the shoe. Then put it between the plastic bottom of the AFO and the sole of the foot. That way the foot contacts something absorbent, and not the potentially hot plastic. I don't know if this will work for you, but it sounded good!

 

[elvispursley]

I just got a tip from someone the other night. If you can, take out the insole in the shoe. Then put it between the plastic bottom of the AFO and the sole of the foot. That way the foot contacts something absorbent, and not the potentially hot plastic. I don't know if this will work for you, but it sounded good!

I'd double check with the orthotist/therapist as the AFO is custom made to the foot/ankle and putting something in the sole of the AFO may cause it to fit incorrectly, causing rubbing/chaffing, etc. When I made custom splints, there were specific linings we could put into the splints that were thin but provides some padding, protection, moisture absorption, etc. But always check before adding anything into an AFO, etc.