"Helping Children Achieve their Potential"
Programs & Services
Some Children with neurological or neuromuscular
problems can benefit from using braces called DAFO's (Dynamic Ankle Foot
Orthotics). DAFO's can be required if the process of normal lower leg
development has been partially or substantially disrupted. Tendons and
ligaments that are not correctly stretched and strengthened can leave
muscles underdeveloped and weak, impairing the child's ability to stand,
walk, or run. In the worst case, children with poor feet alignment can
develop permanent damage to their ligaments, muscles, and even bones.
Patients that require DAFO's can be categorized into two groups:
Low Tone - Children whose legs and feet collapse into abnormal positions due to weak muscles. (Examples: cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida, etc.)
High Tone - Children whose legs and feet are pulled into abnormal positions due to tight or spastic muscles. (Examples: cerebral palsy, brain injury, stroke, toe walkers, etc.)
DAFO bracing is a newer design concept that uses a thin plastic shell that flexes and moves with the child, while offering corrective support. This flexible design is comfortable and can be used to improve standing, walking and balance, while preventing deformity.
Patients that require DAFO's can be categorized into two groups:
Low Tone - Children whose legs and feet collapse into abnormal positions due to weak muscles. (Examples: cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida, etc.)
High Tone - Children whose legs and feet are pulled into abnormal positions due to tight or spastic muscles. (Examples: cerebral palsy, brain injury, stroke, toe walkers, etc.)
DAFO bracing is a newer design concept that uses a thin plastic shell that flexes and moves with the child, while offering corrective support. This flexible design is comfortable and can be used to improve standing, walking and balance, while preventing deformity.
Pediatric Orthotics