Orthotics & The Quickest Appointment Ever!!

Three months ago Austin's PT recommended him for Ankle Foot Orthotics (AFO) to help with his walking. He turns his right ankle out too far and it makes him unstable. It took us (patiently waiting) this long to get the Insurance approval and our appointment, but finally today we went to get Austin's casts done. Since this is the first time he has ever been to this office, I was a little worried about how he would react and was hoping they wouldn't need to buzz saw anything off of him!

Our appointment was for 2:30PM. We were done and back in the car by 3:05PM; this includes filling out some paperwork & a diaper change. Mark R., Austin's Orthotist, ROCKS!! Luckily, he has a satellite office nearby so door-to-door the entire thing took exactly 1 hour. Now that is my kind of appointment!!!

DOH! I forgot my camera so I had to take pictures with my cell phone while Austin sat on my lap. Thankfully, Nurse J was there to distract him with the pictures on the wall & a toy tractor (wiped down) from the waiting room.

First, they put 2 sets of mesh "socks" on his feet, much like if he was getting a cast for a broken bone. Then a plastic liner is added and finally, the casting material is wrapped around his foot & ankle.



He hand molds it to his foot, which is QUICK, maybe 2-3 minutes or so.




Then they cut it off!! Yeah so Austin was not a fan of this part, but again Mark is QUICK!



After all that, it was time for the next foot. By this time, Austin was wise to the process so Nurse J had to step up her distractions for the next 5 minutes. Thank goodness for the pictures of Farm Animals & Dinosaurs on the wall. We know all those signs!

Here they are stapled and ready to be sent off to get molded. (Wherever that may be.)



After consulting with Austin, I chose the colors for the fabric, straps and liner. I will surprise you with our choices when we get the braces, which should be in 3-4 weeks.

Here is an idea of what they will look like. These are loaners from his PT last March. Austin's will be shorter, just above his ankle. He will be getting DAFO 4 with Straps.







Thanks for peeking,