- Orthotics include Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs), Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFOs), and Supramalleolar Orthoses (SMOs). Splints are usually referring to upper extremity forearm/wrist/hand.
2. If your child has been fitted with an orthotic or splint. It is very important that they wear the orthotics (AFOs, KAFOs, or SMOs) on a daily basis especially during this quarantine time. They should be worn between 3-4 hours if they tolerating them previously. If the orthotic or splint is new to the student, they should break them in by wearing them 1 hour daily, then checking the skin for any redness that remains after 30 minutes after removal. If there is redness remaining, they should be seen by their orthotist for modifications. If they tolerate the orthotics, after wearing them 1 hour daily for a few days, you can increase the time to two hours daily (for few days), 3-4 hours daily. Note: Always check the skin 30 minutes following removal to check for redness. If redness remains or hasn’t decreased in color after 30 minutes, your child should be seen by their orthotist for modifications.