Orthotics, Braces and Preventive Care

What You Need To Know

How custom braces and orthotics can support your feet, ankles, and daily mobility.

Custom Bracing for Foot and Ankle Support

Custom ankle braces called ankle foot orthotics (AFO) are available at Integrative Foot and Ankle Centers of Washington. These devices can help to increase mobility, prevent falls, improve gait, and decrease pain.

Several forms of custom foot and ankle orthotics are available depending on the condition. Examples include the Arizona brace, Moore Balance Brace, Ritchie Brace, Posterior leaf AFO, and Off Loading Leg Brace. Each design addresses different needs, from stabilizing a weakened ankle to offloading pressure from a painful joint or supporting a collapsed arch.

Conditions for which a custom foot and ankle orthotic would be appropriate include dropfoot, a history of falls, ankle instability, ankle arthritis, severe pes cavus foot, adult acquired flatfoot, and many more. Patients who struggle with balance, catch their toe when walking, or experience ongoing foot and ankle pain during daily activity are often good candidates for evaluation.

After being evaluated by one of our physicians, we will recommend a brace that meets your needs. We take custom molds of your lower extremity, and once the finished brace is received we ensure that it fits you properly. If you think a custom brace or orthotic could help, contact us today to schedule an appointment and get evaluated.

Getting the Most From Your Brace or Orthotic

A custom brace or orthotic works best when it becomes part of your daily routine. Most patients benefit from wearing the device consistently inside supportive, lace-up shoes with enough depth to accommodate the brace comfortably. Slip-on shoes and worn-out footwear can undermine the stability the device is designed to provide.

Breaking in a new brace takes time. It is common to start with shorter wear periods and gradually build up as your skin, muscles, and joints adjust to the new alignment. During this period, check your skin daily for any red spots, blisters, or pressure areas, especially over bony prominences. Small irritations caught early are easy to address with minor adjustments.

Custom devices are made to last, but they are not permanent. Straps stretch, padding compresses, and plastic shells can lose their shape over time. Changes in your weight, activity level, or underlying condition can also affect how well the brace fits. Periodic check-ins allow us to make adjustments or plan for a replacement before problems develop.

Bracing is often one part of a broader plan that may include footwear changes, physical therapy, balance training, and management of the underlying condition. If your brace feels uncomfortable, stops helping, or your symptoms change, reach out so we can reassess and keep you moving safely.