Dear Listserv,
Here are the responses I received to my query into OTS or custom AFO’s =
to be used in pool therapy:
Andreas CO(c)
Hi
I have been making an AFO for pool and beach use for many years. I take =
the usual cast making sure to have the whole foot. The model is then =
modified to round the toe and square the sides. Make sure there is =
adequate clearance for the
forefoot and end of toes. The plastic is pulled and the orthosis =
trimmed, leaving the full sole plate with the sides of the foot plate =
rising up about 5/8th inch. The sole is roughened and I wedge the heel =
then add a full neoprene sole.
The toe box area is covered with maugahyde or similar material. You now =
have a slipper/PAFO. Straps are added in the ankle just proximal to the =
malioli and at the calf. This orthosis is worn as a shoe. I have =
several patients who wear
out the heels and soles, coming in for repairs to the bottoms.
Hope this helps you.
Morris Gallo
Our pool therapist either has a collection of pool shoes or instructs =
the=20
patient to bring their own in. Now granted the brace is in excessive =
planter=20
flexion without the heel of the shoe but usually that is not a =
significant=20
problem or a wedge can be put in or a regular pair of old tennis shoes =
can be=20
used. =20
Just keep is simple..=20
Scott Hosie CP=20
I have children who use aqua socks (by Nike) with their AFO’s. This =
seems
to work well with their AFO’s in therepy.
=20
There are also copy cats of these type of shoes. Hope this helps
Russell Dela Rosa
Contact Maramed Orthopedic Systems. The make a AFO Cast Orthosis that =
is=20
waterproof. It is made of LPE bonded to closed cell PE foam, Velcro =
straps=20
and nylon fasteners. 800 327 5830 or www.maramed.com=20
Alan Finnieston, CPO=20