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How Do Foot Drop Braces Work? Best Foot Drop Braces Compared

Posted by:

Johannes Sauer

Reviewed by:

Dr. Nicolette Natale

Updated at: December 10, 2024

Table of Contents

  1. How do Foot Drop Braces Work?

  2. Types of Foot Drop Braces

    1. Hinged AFO Braces

    2. Solid AFO Braces

    3. Inside vs

    4. Custom vs

  3. What to Look for in a Foot Drop Brace

  4. Overcoming Brace Dependency

    1. Encouraging Neuroplasticity

    2. Gradual Brace Weaning

    3. Compensation Techniques

  5. Adaptive Shoes for Foot Drop

Foot drop is a condition where you cannot fully list the front part of your foot as you walk. It can affect either or both feet. If you have foot drop, you may walk with an unnatural gait, and be prone to trips and falls. But wearing a foot drop brace can help.

How do Foot Drop Braces Work?

A foot drop brace features a frame that helps to keep your foot and leg at a roughly 90- degree angle. This design literally holds the foot in place to keep it from dropping. As a result, you will be able to walk without your foot slapping down on the ground. 

There are different types of foot braces, many of which fall into a category called AFO braces. AFO is short for “ankle foot orthosis.” These braces come almost to the knees, and are commonly recommended for patients with foot drop. You can contrast them with supramalleolar orthoses (SMOs), which do not reach as high. SMOs are more commonly recommended to treat children with flat feet.

Types of Foot Drop Braces

Below are a few common types of braces for foot drop.

Hinged AFO Braces

A hinged AFO is a type of AFO that features a hinge, allowing for a wider range of motion. This type of brace helps maintain the foot’s position, but still allows for relatively natural movements. It is a good choice for many patients with foot drop. 

Solid AFO Braces

This is a type of AFO without a hinge. It restricts range of motion quite a bit more than a hinged design. You are most likely to be recommended a solid AFO brace if you suffer from foot spasticity. 

Inside vs. Outside the Shoe

man walking on the street

Jul 25, 2024

Traditionally, foot drop braces were designed to fit inside the shoe. Alas, it can be quite hard to find compatible footwear for such a brace. Today, many foot drop braces fit outside the shoe, giving the wearer a wider range of compatible footwear options while increasing comfort.  


Custom vs. Prefabricated

A prefabricated foot drop brace is one that is mass-produced to provide a reasonably good fit for a range of wearers. A custom foot drop brace is one that is custom-made to fit a particular individual. 

What to Look for in a Foot Drop Brace

Look for the type of brace your doctor says is an ideal fit for your needs, and choose one that is literally a good fit for your foot and shoe. Get one that is manufactured out of robust materials. 

Overcoming Brace Dependency

While these devices offer essential support, long-term reliance on them can lead to brace dependency, limiting ankle mobility and hindering potential neurological recovery. This section explores strategies to reduce brace dependency and promote independence and improved mobility.

Encouraging Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections, plays a crucial role in recovery from neurological conditions. Engaging in targeted exercises and rehabilitation techniques that challenge the affected muscles and nerves can stimulate neuroplasticity and improve ankle control. These exercises may include:

  • Active range of motion exercises
  • Resistance training
  • Balance and proprioception training
  • Functional electrical stimulation (FES)

By consistently engaging in these activities, individuals can encourage their brain to relearn motor patterns and strengthen the neural pathways controlling ankle movement.

Gradual Brace Weaning

To minimize brace dependency, a gradual weaning process under the guidance of a healthcare professional is recommended. This involves systematically reducing brace wear time and progressively challenging ankle stability and control. A typical weaning protocol may include:

  1. Wearing the brace during high-risk activities (e.g., walking outdoors) and removing it for low-risk activities (e.g., sitting, standing)
  2. Progressively increasing brace-free time during controlled environments like physical therapy sessions
  3. Incorporating ankle strengthening and stability exercises during brace-free periods
  4. Gradually transitioning to less restrictive braces or tapering devices

By carefully progressing through these stages, individuals can build confidence, strength, and control in their affected ankle, ultimately reducing their reliance on the brace.

Compensation Techniques

While working towards reducing brace dependency, individuals can also learn compensation techniques to improve mobility and safety during the transition period. These techniques may include:

  • Using assistive devices like canes or walking poles for added stability
  • Modifying gait patterns to minimize foot drag and improve clearance
  • Incorporating visual cues and feedback to enhance ankle awareness and control
  • Utilizing proper footwear with ankle support and traction

Implementing these strategies can help individuals maintain mobility and reduce the risk of falls as they work towards greater independence from their brace.

Overcoming brace dependency is a gradual process that requires patience, persistence, and close collaboration with healthcare professionals.

Adaptive Shoes for Foot Drop

It is easiest to walk with foot drop and restore a natural gait with the right footwear. The Cadense Original Adaptive Shoes for men and women are an excellent choice. These shoes help you “glide” over uneven surfaces with patented variable friction technology.

In addition, they are compatible with many AFO braces. If your current AFO fits with a shoe that is regular or wide(2E), then your brace is probably compatible with the Cadense Original Adaptive Shoe. 

With their lightweight, breathable materials, wide, stable bases, and comfortable cushioning and support, these shoes can help you walk with confidence and increased safety.

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FAQ

What is the most effective treatment for foot drop?

Physical therapy, walking, stretching, nerve stimulation, and wearing a brace can all help treat foot drop.

Of course, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so do what you can to prevent foot drop before it starts.

Can you walk with a foot drop brace?

Yes. In fact, foot drop braces are designed in part to help facilitate safe and healthy walking.

How do you live with permanent foot drop?

You may need to wear shoes for foot drop, and may sometimes need to walk with a brace or splint. Ongoing physical therapy and regular walking and stretching may help.

Can foot drop be corrected without surgery?

Yes, in many scenarios, foot drop can be corrected without surgery using modest treatment measures such as exercise, stretches, and wearing a foot brace. During the diagnostic process, your doctor can advise you as to what is best for your situation.

What is the best brace for foot drop?

The best brace for foot drop is the design that provides you with the stability and range of motion you need to heal your individual condition. Consult with your doctor.

Posted by: Johannes Sauer

Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. He was immediately drawn to the mission of the company because his cousin lost his lower leg in a tragic motorcycle accident a few years ago and is experiencing walking difficulties ever since. Johannes brings over a decade of experience in working for consumer product companies to Cadense. He holds an MBA from the University of Graz in Austria. Johannes lives with his family in Santa Barbara, CA.

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Reviewed by: Dr. Nicolette Natale

Dr. Nicolette Natale, D.O., earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She is deeply committed to medical education and dedicated to mentoring fellow DOs. Dr. Nicolette Natale, D.O., earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She is deeply committed to medical education and dedicated to mentoring fellow DOs.

Read more

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Medical Disclaimer: This website is not intended for the purpose of providing medical advice. This website’s information, content, and material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Cadense Inc. may not be held liable for any damages whether incidental, ordinary or consequential. Cadense does not make any guarantee of any particular end result. Cadense makes no claims or guarantees of payment/reimbursement by any insurance companies. Cadense adaptive shoes are intended to provide greater mobility to those with walking difficulties.

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