arthrosan foot drop orthoses for dorsiflexion weakness and foot drop

arthrosan® foot drop orthoses for dorsiflexion weakness and foot drop

Targeted support for foot lifting while walking

When the foot can no longer be sufficiently lifted during walking, this leads to stumbling, instability, and an altered gait pattern. arthrosan ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) were developed to dynamically support foot dorsiflexion in everyday life.

Dynamic ankle-foot orthoses are used for gait impairments caused by neuromuscular damage to the foot dorsiflexion function – for example, after a herniated disc, stroke, surgery, or in multiple sclerosis.

With arthrosan original and arthrosan support, arthroven offers two orthotic solutions for different requirements: from flexible support to stronger guidance and stability.

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What is foot drop?

Foot drop occurs when the forefoot cannot be sufficiently lifted while walking. This makes it easier for the tip of the foot to drag on the ground, which can make gait unstable and increase the risk of stumbling. In common parlance, the term "drop foot" is also frequently used in this context.

The causes of foot drop can vary. Often, there is an underlying disturbance of nerve or muscle function, for example, as part of a peroneal nerve lesion or peroneal palsy. Neuropathies, multiple sclerosis, nerve root irritation, the after-effects of a stroke, or hemiparesis can also be associated with impaired foot lifting.

Typical signs include:

  • the forefoot does not lift sufficiently when walking
  • the tip of the foot drags more easily
  • gait appears unsteady or altered
  • walking becomes more strenuous
  • daily mobility may be restricted

Professional or medical clarification is important to assess the cause, extent, and appropriate treatment.

How can arthrosan foot drop orthoses help?

A dynamic foot drop orthosis can help to lift the forefoot more precisely when walking, support foot lift function, and guide the gait pattern in a more controlled manner. The aim is a functional, everyday solution that supports mobility, safety, and movement.

arthrosan original works with a thermoformable support sole, ankle cuff, and spring rubber. The orthosis is designed for light, flexible, and dynamic support of foot lift.

arthrosan support is constructed as a stabilizing fiber composite or carbon orthosis. It features shells, joints, a load-bearing webbing strap, and adjustable foot lift straps. The integrated 5° pre-tension supports foot lift and can facilitate foot placement when walking. This makes the orthosis particularly suitable for cases requiring higher levels of guidance, stability, and safety.

Both models must be individually fitted and explained so that the fit, function, shoe situation, and settings match the specific treatment situation.

arthrosan original and arthrosan support at a glance

With arthrosan original and arthrosan support, arthroven offers two dynamic foot drop orthoses for different care requirements. The choice depends on the clinical findings, required level of support, gait pattern and professional fitting.

arthrosan original

Foot drop orthosis with one-handed closure and semi-elastic figure-of-eight strapping.

Indications

  • Flaccid peripheral paralysis and general dorsiflexion weakness
  • Multifunctional use in the upper and lower ankle joint
  • Care after stroke, in hemiparesis and in mild to moderate spastic foot paralysis, or in multiple sclerosis

Benefits of arthrosan original

  • High wearing comfort as well as strong user acceptance
  • Easy handling in everyday use
  • Active pull-strap system for stepless adjustment in pronation and supination
  • Existing muscle activity is not restricted and the natural roll-over axis is maintained
  • Joints are supported in their function
  • Individual fitting by qualified specialists
  • Visually discreet and lightweight
  • No pressure points in the Achilles tendon area
  • Orthopedic shoes are not required

Effect / technology

  • Adjustable effect on pronation and supination
  • Supports foot lift with a larger step length and reduced risk of stumbling
  • Supports a more physiological gait pattern and roll-over movement
  • One-handed application thanks to a self-closing cuff and innovative one-handed closure (optional)
  • Comfortable padding around the ankle area
  • Semi-elastic figure-of-eight strapping with strong lifting effect
  • Thermoplastically mouldable flexible insole
  • Closure strap with stop function
arthrosan original foot drop orthosis in a medical supply store

HMV item recommendation 23.03.02.xxxx (commonly accepted by statutory health insurers in Germany)

arthrosan support

The two elastic straps and integrated 5° pre-tension lift the forefoot while walking and support a more physiological gait pattern.

arthrosan support foot drop orthosis in a medical supply store

Indications

  • General dorsiflexion weakness
  • Traumatic peroneal nerve lesion
  • Multiple sclerosis, polyneuropathy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Nerve root syndrome
  • Apoplexy, hemiplegia and monoplegia
  • Short- and long-term care for pes equinus
  • Positioning splint for the prophylaxis of joint contractures

Benefits of arthrosan support

  • Individually adjustable with excellent foot-lifting effect
  • Optimal wearing comfort with high stability
  • Strong sense of safety, even on uneven ground
  • Hygienic and easy to care for
  • Easy to handle

Mode of action

  • Low-positioned, discreet joint designed to promote a stable, biomechanically correct gait pattern
  • Individually adjustable dynamic elastic straps to support the foot-lifting function in the upper and lower ankle joint
  • Easy application and removal thanks to self-guiding Fidlock magnetic closures
  • One-handed operation possible, for example after a stroke
  • Varioform foot shell for easy fitting
  • High wearing comfort thanks to high-performance fiber composite material
  • Physiotherapeutic rehabilitation and mobilization remain possible at any time
  • Can be worn in almost all shoes without modifications to the footwear, including sandals for loose insoles

HMV item no. 23.03.02.6003

Note: The suitable foot drop orthosis should always be selected based on the individual clinical findings, the desired level of support, the gait pattern and professional fitting.

arthrosan original and arthrosan support compared

Feature arthrosan original arthrosan support
Care profile lightweight, dynamic, flexible dynamic, with stronger stabilization
Design Support insole, ankle cuff, elastic lifting strap Carbon shells, webbing, joints, foot-lifting straps
Support profile everyday functional support more guidance and stability
Sizes 22–48 35–49
Side left and right left and right

Note: The suitable foot drop orthosis should always be selected based on the individual clinical findings, the desired level of support and professional fitting.

Why arthrosan foot drop orthoses from arthroven?

arthrosan stands for dynamic ankle-foot orthoses for supporting foot dorsiflexion in cases of foot drop, dropped foot, and foot dorsiflexion paresis. With arthrosan original and arthrosan support, arthroven offers two solutions for different requirements – from flexible support to stronger guidance and stability.

Advantages at a glance:

  • dynamic support of foot dorsiflexion when walking
  • two versions for different support requirements
  • flexible or more stabilizing guidance depending on the model
  • individual customization by orthopedic technicians
  • available for left and right
  • everyday solution with a focus on mobility and safety
  • made in Germany

Materials depending on the model:
arthrosan original: thermoformable support sole, ankle cuff, and elastic strap
arthrosan support: fiber composite/carbon construction with shells, joints, webbing, and adjustable foot dorsiflexion straps

What to look for when choosing

The appropriate arthrosan foot drop orthosis should always be selected based on diagnosis, gait pattern, support needs, and footwear situation. The decision and fitting are carried out by orthopedic technical specialists.

Important selection criteria are:

  • Severity of foot drop weakness
  • Desired level of support
  • Activity level and daily life situation
  • Required guidance and stability
  • Suitable shoe-orthosis combination
  • Left or right-sided provision
  • Medical prescription and potential cost coverage

arthrosan original is more suitable for lighter, flexible support. arthrosan support offers more stability and guidance.

Application and Important Notes

arthrosan foot lifter orthoses are intended for supportive use when walking and must be individually adapted. This includes the fit, shoe situation, heel height, adjustment of the foot lift and instruction in safe donning and wearing.

The orthosis should guide securely, but not cause pressure points, pain or skin irritation. Before each wearing, fasteners, fit and function should be briefly checked. In case of pressure points, redness, swelling, pain or fit problems, the orthosis should be checked by specialists.

Cleaning can be done with water and neutral soap. Then dry carefully and avoid direct heat.

Frequently Asked Questions about arthrosan Foot Drop Orthoses

What is an ankle-foot orthosis?

An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is a medical aid that can support or partially replace the foot dorsiflexion function when walking. It is used when the forefoot cannot be lifted sufficiently, making the gait unsteady.

What is the difference between arthrosan original and arthrosan support?

arthrosan original is designed to be lighter and more flexible, providing dynamic foot lift support via a sole support, ankle cuff, and elastic strap. arthrosan support offers more guidance and stability through carbon shells, joints, and adjustable foot lift straps.

Does an Arthrosan foot drop orthosis need to be fitted?

Yes. Both models must be fitted and adjusted by orthopedic technicians. Instruction in donning and wearing is also part of safe care.

Can I wear the orthosis in regular shoes?

This depends on the appropriate shoe-orthosis combination. It is important that the shoe with orthosis is neither too tight nor too loose and offers sufficient support. The selection should be professionally reviewed.

How often should the orthosis be checked?

The arthrosan original should be checked by an orthopaedic technician approximately every 6 to 12 months, depending on use, and the arthrosan support approximately every 3 to 6 months. In addition, it is recommended to briefly check for damage, fasteners and general function before each wear.

How often should the orthosis be checked?

The arthrosan® original should be checked by the orthopedic technician approximately every 6 to 12 months, and the arthrosan® support approximately every 3 to 6 months, depending on use. In addition, it is recommended to briefly check for damage, fasteners, and general function before each wear.

arthrosan foot lifter orthoses are not ordered directly through the shop but are individually selected and professionally fitted in a medical supply store. If you are looking for a suitable arthrosan solution, please speak to your medical supply store or your treating physician.

You are also welcome to contact arthroven directly if you would like information in advance about the appropriate arthrosan variant.

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