Get in touch!
We don't provide our services to anyone else, and we are always available to help when you need us. To contact us, please fill out the following form.
What is a DAFO?
A DAFO, or Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis is a type of Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) that is designed specifically for those with neurological conditions that cause them to be affected by high tonal responses in the legs and feet.
They usually feature a neurological footplate that is specially designed to apply, or relieve pressure on specific areas of nerve innervation in the foot. The premise of this footplate is that it increases neurological feedback to some areas, and decreases it to other areas, balancing them out and dulling overwhelming tonal responses. They extend to just above the ankle bones, but they also wrap around the top of the foot.
Who is the DAFO suitable for?
DAFOs are most often prescribed to patients who suffer with tonal spasticity as a result of neurological conditions - most often this is children who suffer from Cerebral Palsy, however this prescription is not limited to a CP diagnosis. Your orthotist may suggest a DAFO for your child if they think that it will offer your child the appropriate level of support, even if they do not have a neurological condition.
What conditions are DAFO used for?
This style of device may be suitable for any neurological condition that increases tonal responses in the feet and legs that causes difficulty with walking. This could include Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy and those suffering from Hypotonia (low tone), amongst others.
They can also be used to offer support to any child who needs more support than footwear can offer them, but not so much as to warrant a longer device.
Benefits of a DAFO
- Improved proprioceptive feedback
Proprioception is the ability to understand the location of your body in space - this is a really important function, especially when walking. It is this reflex that allows us to know when our foot is about to make contact with the ground, or whether we are lifting our feet high enough to clear obstacles. If you have ever misjudged how far away a step is when coming down stairs, or sat into a chair that was further down than you thought, you will have experienced how unsettling it can be to misinterpret proprioceptive feedback. DAFO’s work to improve this feedback response by stimulating certain reflexogenic zones in the foot. This stimulation means that the body is able to be more aware of where the foot and leg is - reducing risk of falls and allowing your child a better estimation of how they are about to interact with the ground.
- Reduced risk of falling
DAFO’s reduce risk of falls, not only by improving proprioception, but also by reducing unwanted tonal responses and providing additional supportive properties at the ankle and arch.
- Improved gait efficiency
DAFO’s, like all AFO’s, work to control movements of the foot and ankle, increasing biomechanical efficiency and stability as well as reducing energy expenditure on unnecessary additional movements. The Neurological footplate also addresses imbalanced neurological responses, further improving gait.
- Reduces strain further up the body, or in non - affected areas
The improvements a DAFO can make to your child’s biomechanical function in their affected limbs can also, in turn, reduce strain further up or in other regions of the body. This is because of a reduction in compensatory movements and tonic responses.
- Increased functional independence
All of these benefits combined can increase your child's functional independence, improve their gait patterns, build their confidence in walking, and help to decrease pain levels
What happens at a DAFO assessment appointment?
At your child’s assessment appointment our orthotist will accurately assess your child’s condition to establish the correct DAFO for your child’s needs. This assessment will involve discussing your child’s symptoms, lifestyle and goals. Their walking will be observed and a full range of motion plus muscle power tests undertaken. The orthotist will then take this opportunity to take any casts or measurements they may need to order or manufacture your child’s devices.
What if my child is not suitable for a DAFO?
At Children’s Orthotics we are always aiming to give your child the device that best suits their individual needs, your orthotist will use the assessment appointment as an opportunity to check whether a DAFO is safe and suitable for your child. If they feel that it’s not the right device for them, your orthotist will make alternative suggestions of devices they think would be more in-keeping with your child’s needs and lifestyle. They will be able to explain their reasoning for this in the assessment appointment with you, and discuss any differences in pricings.
What happens at a DAFO Fitting appointment?
Once their DAFO’s are ready, your child will be booked in for a fitting appointment. At the fitting appointment our Orthotist will ensure the device fits your child properly, and is as comfortable as possible - if necessary they might make some small adjustments in the clinic. Once your orthotist is happy with the way the device fits, they will discuss how to wear-in their device properly. A few weeks after this fitting appointment, a review appointment will take place to check on your child’s progress with the device.
How can I get my child booked in with Childrens.orthotics.co.uk
The first step towards getting your child’s treatment underway is to contact us at Children’s orthotics to get booked in for an assessment appointment. The best way to do this is to book online here, or to call us on 0330 088 3949 to speak to one of our friendly customer service advisors. Alternatively you can complete the form below, and one of our staff will contact you with information and pricings.
To get in touch or arrange an appointment, you can call us at 0330 088 3949 or email office@orthotics.co.uk.
Send us a message...
Got more questions about your child's DAFO prescription? Please head over to our FAQ section here.