This Swedish  ankle foot orthosis / Leaf Sping AFO  is a type of foot drop brace that provides light support and flexibility and can be worn with regular shoes.

If you are suffering from moderate foot drop and are tired of struggling with a cumbersome  AFO, you owe it to yourself to try this lightweight and easy to use orthosis. No more searching for shoes big enough to wear with a clunky brace.  No more hot, heavy socks.  Quickly slip into this Swedish ankle foot orthosis, put on your favorite shoes, and relax knowing that your brace is hardly noticeable.

Made of polyethylene, this splint is thicker on the vertical aspect which offers the necessary rigidity.  But the foot plate can be trimmed with scissors, and a heat gun can be used for further customization

A sleek profile is created by the low arch and open heel, creating an outstanding orthosis. Remember, it can fit easily into any shoe.  The brace is comfortably secured to the calf by a padded hook and loop strap.

The photo features men’s orthoses for the right foot.  (Click photo for more info.) The same outstanding Swedish design is available in different sizes for the left and right foot, and for both men and women.

Please note that this product contains natural rubber latex which can cause allergic reactions.

One the main reasons for foot drop is damage to the peroneal nerve (a branch of the sciatic nerve that runs just below the knee), which is responsible for the muscles that lift the foot and toes. Besides the inability to lift the foot from the ankle in a normal manner, other symptoms of peroneal nerve damage include a decrease in sensation on the top of the foot and/or on the outer part of the upper or lower leg, and numbness or tingling in these areas.

Damage to the peroneal nerve can result from an accident (such as one that delivers a sharp blow to the side of the knee), a degenerative disease, or it can occur as a complication of surgery.

If the nerve damage is not too serious, the symptoms of drop foot may go away within three months or so. During this time, the patient will be under observation, and is likely to undergo electrodiagnostic testing to see if the nerve is regenerating itself. Also during this time, physical therapy is advised, along with the use of an ankle foot orthosis to provide stability for the ankle and foot while walking.

If the foot drop does not significantly improve or go away during this observation period, various surgical options will then be considered.

Read about the causes of peroneal nerve damage.

Read about the symptoms of peroneal nerve damage.

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