Knee-Ankle-Foot-Orthosis
While being fitted with your knee-ankle-foot-orthosis (KAFO), your Orthotist will instruct you on how to wear and use your KAFO effectively. Some points to remember:
PUTTING ON YOUR KAFO
- Put the orthosis on first, then the shoe. A shoehorn may be helpful, or
- Slip the orthosis into the shoe first, and then slide the foot into the orthosis using it as a shoehorn.
STOCKINGS
- Clean cotton stockings should be worn under the KAFO. This will be more comfortable and will reduce perspiration.
- Keep the stockings wrinkle-free.
KEEPING YOUR ORTHOSIS CLEAN
- Clean your KAFO by using rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth.
SELF EXAMINATION
- Examine your skin that is in contact with the orthosis every day. Skin redness may develop under pressure areas of your new orthosis. The redness should disappear 20 to 30 minutes after the orthosis is removed.
- As you become accustomed to the orthosis, the redness should disappear. If blisters or open sores occur in the pressure areas, stop wearing the orthosis and contact your Orthotist for adjustments.
PROPER FIT
- Similar to a new pair of shoes, a correctly fitted orthosis may seem uncomfortable a first. During the first few days, alternate times in and out of your KAFO while noting any red or sore areas. As you build up tolerance, increase wearing time until you are able to wear it all the time as advised by your physician or Orthotist.
If you have any questions or concerns about your KAFO, please contact your Orthotist. Your health and comfort are important to us.
WEARING SCHEDULE
Only increase the wearing time if you are able to wear it fairly comfortably.
You may experience some discomfort in other parts of the body such as in your knees, hip, back, and neck.
Your orthosis may need to be adjusted. For this reason, it is important to keep your scheduled follow-up appointment to maintain the optimum fit and function of your orthosis.
If a squeaking sound is detected from the orthosis rubbing in your shoe, a light dusting of talcum powder should remedy this noise.
To facilitate wearing of your orthosis, you must follow these instructions as closely as possible.
Your orthosis is a highly specialized device. As with any such device, the orthosis requires regular maintenance. It is very important that you see your Orthotist at least every six months for a check-up and maintenance of your orthosis.
