Glide Ankle Foot Orthosis
This video explains how to properly wear and care for the Glide ankle foot orthosis brace. Always refer to your medical provider for additional instructions.
How to Use the Glide Ankle Foot Orthosis
The Glide Ankle Foot Orthosis, or Glide AFO, is designed to provide lower-leg and ankle support while being worn with a shoe. For best results, follow the instructional video on this page along with the Glide AFO wear-and-care PDF. The brace should always be worn with footwear that has a removable insole, good heel coverage, and enclosed toes. Sneakers are a recommended option.
How to Put On the Glide AFO
- Remove the insole from your shoe.
- Slide the Glide AFO into the shoe.
- Replace the shoe’s insole on top of the brace. A cushion layer, such as the shoe insole, must always be positioned between your foot and the brace. A sock alone is not sufficient.
- Put your shoe on normally.
- Wrap the calf strap around your leg and clip it into the keyhole on the brace.
- Make sure the adjustment dial is pushed in, then rotate it clockwise until the strap feels snug.
- If your practitioner added a helix strap to your AFO, wrap it around your ankle and secure it to the front of the brace.
How to Remove the Glide AFO
- Pull the adjustment dial outward to release tension on the calf strap.
- Pull the fabric loop on the strap to unclip it from the keyhole.
- Remove your shoe while leaving the Glide AFO inside the shoe for easier use the next time you put it on.
Glide AFO Wearing and Safety Tips
Avoid bending directly at the ankle while wearing the Glide AFO. If you need to bend down, lower yourself onto one knee or push your hips back into a squat, keeping your knees over your toes. When using stairs, place your entire foot on each step rather than stepping with only your toes.
Check your skin every day after removing the brace. If redness remains for more than 15 minutes, this may indicate excessive pressure in one area. Stop wearing the brace, take a photo of the affected area, and contact your Comprehensive Prosthetics and Orthotics office.
How to Clean and Care for the Glide AFO
If the Glide AFO gets dirty, spot-clean the brace with soap and warm water. The padded calf section can be removed for washing. Hand-wash the pad and allow it to air dry completely before wearing the brace again.
Glide AFO Break-In Schedule
CPO generally recommends gradually increasing the amount of time you wear the Glide AFO so that any fit or pressure concerns can be identified early. The suggested break-in schedule is one hour on Day 1, two hours on Day 2, three hours on Day 3, four hours on Day 4, five hours on Day 5, six hours on Day 6, and full-time wear beginning on Day 7, unless your practitioner gives you different instructions.
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At Comprehensive Prosthetics & Orthotics, our team is committed to improving your quality of life and alleviating pain. Take the first step in your journey towards returning to your new normal. We are here to help you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation with a specialist at your nearest CPO clinic.