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

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.

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.

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

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.