Carbon fiber leg braces are a durable option available for patients with foot drop at Evolve Prosthetics & Orthotics in Las Vegas, Nevada. We offer a wide variety of “off-the-shelf” carbon fiber AFO braces, and also can customize and modify leg braces to suit your needs. Carbon fiber is being used for many orthotic brace types but is more often used for ankle-foot orthosis (AFOs) and knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFOs).
For off-the-shelf solutions, we typically create a custom foot orthotic insert that is molded to your foot and slips on top of the carbon fiber AFO to make them more comfortable. We also can customize the straps, trim the foot bed, and add padding where needed to customize the brace to the way your body works.
Carbon Fiber AFO & KAFO Braces
An Ankle Foot Orthotic (AFO) is any device that encloses the ankle and foot but does not extend above the knee. Carbon fiber AFO braces are used to prevent your foot from dropping due to inadequate dorsiflexion. This can happen because of several genetic or medical conditions.
A Knee Ankle Foot Orthotic (KAFO) is an orthotic device that extends from above the knee and includes the ankle and foot. It is used to control the knee joint as well as the ankle and foot.
Many of these leg braces are made of carbon fiber by manufacturers and then fit in our clinic, often with additional custom fabricated components, orthotic shoe inserts, or even custom patterns or designs to make them look more pleasing.
Conditions That Require Leg Braces
There are many conditions that benefit from, and reasons that you might require carbon fiber AFOs. They can be used to treat injuries, genetic diseases, and can be part of recovery after an illness. Some of the most common conditions that are treated with carbon fiber braces include:
- Neuropathy
- Peripheral / Peroneal Neuropathy
- Stroke
- Cerebral Palsy
- Diabetes
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Polio
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT)
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Drop Foot
The Carbon Fiber AFO Advantage
Why do we suggest carbon fiber for orthotic leg braces? One of the main reasons is that they are half the weight of traditional materials. For many patients, this makes a tremendous difference in their ability to go about daily tasks.
Studies have also found that carbon fiber helps to store energy from movement, creating a spring-like action, making forward movement that much easier. This is especially helpful for those with “drop foot”. The calf muscle even gains muscle mass from improved function in some patients.
They are many advantages to carbon fiber AFO and KAFO braces.
- Lightweight
- Better Flexibility
- Increased Strength
- More Durability
- Energy Storage
Custom Carbon Fiber Leg Braces & Brands
Manufacturers make most carbon fiber orthotic braces, and then we custom fabricate additional pieces to create the right fit and function for our patients. The leg braces are held in place in different ways, depending on the brace type and the condition being treated. We will recommend the best solution for each patient.
We offer free adjustments and fittings at our clinic until your brace fits just right. We also provide brands that are industry leaders when it comes to carbon fiber bracing solutions.
Get Carbon Fiber Orthotics In Las Vegas
Make an appointment with Evolve Prosthetics & Orthotics today to get fitted for a custom carbon fiber leg brace. We can help you find the solution that works best for you and make sure it fits comfortably. Consultations and second opinions are free. We would love to hear from you.