Lower Extremity Orthoses
A variety of medical conditions can contribute to trouble with walking or standing. There are often issues with strength, posture, muscle tone, and balance. Sometimes lower extremity bracing, also known as orthoses, can help support your child’s legs and feet so that standing and walking improve.
Some examples of these include:
- Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO)
- Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthoses (DAFO)
- Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFO)
Orthoses can be custom made or pre-fabricated. For custom orthoses, the therapist will take measurements and create a cast mold. This cast mold will be sent to an Orthotist (outside Cincinnati Children’s) to make the final product. When the orthosis is complete, the physical therapist will make sure it fits and meets your child’s needs.
Why Choose Us?
Our highly trained and experienced physical therapists are skilled in making custom splints for your child. The therapist will also work with an Orthotist to find successful solutions to help your child.
Who Can Benefit?
Patients with the following diagnoses or medical conditions may benefit from orthoses:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down syndrome
- Hypotonia, or low muscle tone
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or hypermobility syndrome
- Juvenile Arthritis
- Some genetic disorders
- Hypertonia, or high muscle tone
- And many others that involve difficulty with walking and/or standing
Location of Service
Lower extremity bracing is available at all outpatient locations.
