SMO (Supra Malleolar Orthotics) the smaller shoe that helps stabilize the ankle and prevents the arch of the foot from collapsing. AFO (Ankle Foot Orthotics) this brace helps hold the foot and ankle in the correct position. (Per Sam’s physical therapist, she needed it due to Samantha tending to tuck one leg (or scoot) rather than crawl).
What is the difference between AFO and supra malleolar orthotics?
SMO (Supra Malleolar Orthotics) the smaller shoe that helps stabilize the ankle and prevents the arch of the foot from collapsing. AFO (Ankle Foot Orthotics) this brace helps hold the foot and ankle in the correct position.
What are SMO and AFO braces?
In addition to foot and ankle problems, AFOs can also address issues as the knee, such as hyperextensions and instability. Surestep is most often associated with SMOs. But we also offer a variety of AFO braces for toddlers, older kids, and even adults. Who Benefits Most From SMO Braces?
What is an AFO/SMO combo?
It’s an AFO/SMO combo that can be worn together as a single brace or worn as an individual SMO. This gives you the freedom to choose what is best for your child at any given moment.
What is the difference between the SMO and Dafo?
The SMO helps improve standing, balance and walking. The original DAFO was developed in 1985 to help meet the needs of paediatric patients with neuromuscular challenges. The modern DAFO provides thin and flexible support to the foot or ankle. It wraps around the patient’s entire foot to improve stability.
What are SMO braces for?
An SMO (Supramalleolar Orthosis) supports the foot just above the ankle bone or malleolus. SMOs are prescribed for patients who have soft, flexible, flat feet (pes planovalgus). They are mostly worn by children. The SMO is designed to maintain a vertical, or neutral, heel while also supporting the arches of the foot.
Who needs SMO?
When it comes to SMO braces, think in terms of ability level rather than months and years. SMOs are only effective when your child is up and active. So if your little one isn't trying to stand, cruise, walk yet, braces would be premature. But it never hurts to learn more just in case they're needed in the future.
How long do kids wear SMO braces?
On average, a pair of Surestep SMOs will last anywhere from 6 – 12 months.
Why would a child need an AFO?
For kids who have hypertonia, AFOs can be especially helpful. The braces can keep legs in proper alignment, minimize spastic responses, and relieve some of the tone. In addition to foot and ankle problems, AFOs can also address issues in the knee, such as hyperextensions and instability.
What is AFO and SMO braces?
SMO (Supra Malleolar Orthotics) the smaller shoe that helps stabilize the ankle and prevents the arch of the foot from collapsing. AFO (Ankle Foot Orthotics) this brace helps hold the foot and ankle in the correct position.
How much are SMO orthotics?
For patients not covered by health insurance, foot orthotics typically cost about $10-$80 for off-the-shelf orthotics, or about $100-$200 for non-prescription orthotics made from a do-it-yourself mold of the patient's feet. Prescription custom orthotics typically cost about $200-$800.
Why would a child need SMO braces?
The primary indication for wearing the SMO brace is foot pronation [flat feet] which is due to hypotonia in toddlers. Although all toddlers naturally have flat feet because their arches are not yet developed, the kids with pathological flat feet need the Supramalleolar orthosis to compensate for the missing arch.
Can SMO be worn without shoes?
Is It Ok To Wear The SMOs Without Shoes Around The House? Although wearing shoes around the house is ideal, especially for more active kids, sliding socks with grips or tread overtop of the SMOs can be an easy, comfortable alternative.
How do you put SMO braces on?
Open brace behind and underneath the foot and then slide foot into brace. Bend knee to 90 degrees to make sure heel is all the way to the back of the SMOs. Pull up on the toes to make sure the heel and the rest of the foot is fully seated in the brace. Apply tension to the Velcro shin straps and pull for snugness.
What is the best AFO for foot drop?
11 Best AFO Braces For Foot DropBest For Daily Use: Step-Smart Drop AFO Brace. ... Best For Sciatica: Orthomen Ankle AFO Brace. ... Best Fit: Mars Wellness AFO Brace. ... Best Comfort: AliMed Swedish AFO Brace. ... Best Sturdy Material: Ossur AFO Leaf Spring Foot Brace. ... Best For All Kind Of Shoes: Ossur Foot-Up Drop Foot Brace.More items...•
What are AFO braces used for kids?
A paediatric AFO brace, which is useful for treating many conditions related to the foot and ankle, allows children to find stability in walking and freedom of movement appropriate for their age, considering their development and growth.
Are AFOs for life?
There are many different reasons why an AFO might be recommended. This L-shaped device becomes the patient's permanent companion. It affects their lives in many ways. It can take some time to adjust to wearing one.
One of the challenges, when you are a special needs parent, is learning a whole new language. Seriously, in the world of special needs there are doctors, nurses, and therapists who will throw out acronyms or abbreviations (OHS, AFO, SMO, Gtube, PICU) that you have no prior knowledge of, and it is really like learning a second language
For instance, when I first heard the terms AFO and SMO orthotics I was clueless, but now I feel so much more well informed and it was thanks to a parent who broke it down for me. Carrie is the mom to Samantha, who has Down Syndrome. Children with Down Syndrome often walk later due to low muscle tone and joint instability.
And here is a video of how well Samantha crawls with her orthotics on!
Carrie, her husband and 3 children live in Ohio. Samantha is their youngest and rocks an extra chromosome.
AFOs vs. SMOs
In MrsK’s “ Standing Up ” post you said, “If you do decide to get afos/smos (I would tend toward smos). . . ” Can you give me more information on why you tend toward SMOs.
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I am very interested too. Caroline is not yet braced, but likely will head that direction at next SB clinic on Wednesday. She dorsiflexes both ankles and can stand somewhat flat footed on the right, but stands on her heel (foot in dorsiflexion most of the time) on the left. She does not have clubbed feet or roll her ankles.
Supra Malleolar Orthosis ( SMO)
The SMO gets its name from the part of the body it encompasses. Thus this orthosis supports the leg just above the ankle bone or malleoli.
Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis (DAFO)
The original DAFO was developed in 1985 to help meet the needs of paediatric patients with neuromuscular challenges. The modern DAFO provides thin and flexible support to the foot or ankle.
What is rigid AFO?
Rigid AFOs are typically used for children with cerebral palsy who have less than 10 degrees of ankle dorsiflexion when the knee is fully extended. This brace is also used for ankle stability in nonambulatory children with CP.
What is ankle foot orthotic?
An ankle foot orthotic (AFO) is a device that helps control instabilities in the lower limb. AFO orthotics help the patient by: 1 Keeping the joints in proper alignment. 2 Stabilizing the gait. 3 Compensating for muscle weakness.
What is an AFO?
An ankle foot orthotic (AFO) is a device that helps control instabilities in the lower limb. AFO orthotics help the patient by: Keeping the joints in proper alignment. Stabilizing the gait. Compensating for muscle weakness. An AFO orthotic is most commonly recommended as a treatment for foot drop.
What is dynamic AFO?
A dynamic AFO (DAFO) is typically made from thin thermoplastic that’s custom fit to the patient’s foot. This plastic is more flexible than what you’ll find in many other types of AFOs. The DAFO helps the patient maintain neutral alignment and circumferential control of the foot.
What is ground reaction AFO?
A ground reaction AFO (GRAFO), also known as a floor reaction AFO (FRAFO), is a custom fabricated support made from molded plastic. The anterior shell of this AFO redistributes the extension and ground reaction forces closer to the knee than other orthotics. This gives the brace more leverage than other similar designs.
What to wear with AFO?
Most are worn with socks and shoes. You will probably want an AFO that fits comfortably with your wardrobe and is easy to put on and take off. Replaceable parts: If you’re going to be wearing your AFO for a permanent condition, you should think ahead to potential wear and tear.
What is carbon fiber AFO?
The carbon-fiber AFO typically features a flat foot plate attached to a full-length orthotic. This type of device provides energy return at the toe-off, which facilitates efficient forward movement. The carbon-fiber AFO also allows the calf muscles to fire.
