DAFO Guide to Brace Selection
We created the DAFO Guide to Brace Selection as a tool to help practitioners as well as parents better match bracing needs to types of braces available.
Mouse over images below for patient presentation descriptions and click to learn more.
Low Tone Pronation
- Foot collapses and medial arch flattens
- Heel everts
- Forefoot abducts
- Low muscle tone allows easy correction
High Tone Pronation or Supination
- Pronation:
- Foot collapses and medial arch flattens
- Heel everts and forefoot abducts
- Supination:
- Foot bears weight on lateral side, high medial arch
- Heel inverts and forefoot adducts
Swing Phase Inconsistency
- The foot tends to be toe down and slightly inverted as the leg is advancing through the air
- Ankle position is weak and not reliable
Excessive Plantarflexion | Toe Walking
- Foot bear weight primarily on forefoot
- Toes point downward and heel does not touch ground when walking
- Excess muscle tone, range of motion or habit result in toe walking
Knee Hyperextension
- Knee locks backwards into extension
- Excess muscle tone or weakness create knee hyperextension
Crouching | Excess Knee Flexion
- Knees, and sometimes hips, remain flexed when standing or walking
- Posture may be due to high muscle tone, contractures, or weakness
Positioning | Limited Ambulation
- Foot and ankle positions are uncomfortable and limit function
- Poor positions created by excess and unbalanced muscle tension
