Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs)

The problem

Foot drop and mobility difficulties can occur following neurological conditions, nerve injuries, tendon injuries, surgery, or age-related changes.

For some people, this means the foot catches the ground while walking. For others, it presents as weakness, instability, reduced confidence, balance difficulties, or an increased risk of falls.

These challenges can significantly affect mobility, independence, employment, recreation, and quality of life.

Without appropriate support, many people become less active over time, leading to further loss of strength, confidence, and mobility.

How we treat it

Following a comprehensive assessment, we identify the factors contributing to your mobility limitations and determine whether an Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) may be beneficial.

AFOs are external support devices designed to improve walking efficiency, stability, and safety while helping people remain active and independent.

Depending on your needs, options may include:

• Foot drop devices such as Dictus
• Carbon fibre AFOs
• Dynamic response AFOs
• External AFO systems
• Custom-made AFOs
• Articulated AFOs

AFOs may be prescribed to:

• Improve walking efficiency
• Improve foot clearance
• Reduce trips and falls
• Improve balance and confidence
• Reduce fatigue
• Support rehabilitation
• Improve participation in work, sport, and daily activities
• Maintain mobility and independence

Our recommendations are based on your goals, lifestyle, footwear requirements, and the specific condition affecting your mobility.

Where appropriate, we work alongside Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Neurologists, Orthopaedic Specialists, and other healthcare providers to help achieve the best possible outcomes.

Why Masterton Foot Clinic

Mobility and foot drop management is a particular area of interest within our clinic.

Over many years, we have worked with individuals experiencing a wide range of neurological, neuromuscular, and mobility-related conditions, helping them remain active, independent, and engaged in everyday life.

We regularly assist people living with:

• Foot Drop
• Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT)
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Stroke
• Peroneal nerve injuries
• Lumbar nerve injuries and radiculopathy
• Tendon ruptures
• Post-surgical weakness
• Age-related mobility decline

Our clinicians maintain a strong interest in the evolving field of mobility bracing and regularly review emerging research, technologies, and treatment approaches to ensure patients have access to the most appropriate solutions available.

We prescribe a range of devices, from simple foot drop supports such as Dictus through to advanced carbon fibre and custom AFO systems.

Our philosophy is simple: prescribe the least restrictive device that provides meaningful improvement in mobility, safety, and quality of life.

For many people, the right device can reduce fall risk, improve walking efficiency, restore confidence, and help maintain independence for years to come.

This aligns closely with our broader mission of helping people maximise their healthspan by remaining active, mobile, and engaged in the activities that matter most to them.

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