A submalleolar orthosis (SMO) is a type of foot and ankle brace that fits just below the ankle bones. It helps support the foot and ankle, keeping them in the correct position, and improves balance and walking. Maintaining proper alignment is helpful to promoting normal development of the bones and joints in the feet, ankles, knees, and hips. SMOs are often used for children with weak or unstable ankles, especially if their feet roll in (pronate) or out (supinate) too much.

Ankle foot orthosis is the terminology used for a group of braces that support the ankle and foot. They are usually made of plastic or a combination of materials and are worn inside a shoe. AFOs help people who have trouble walking due to weakness, poor alignment, or certain medical conditions. They help maintain the foot and ankle in the right position, making walking safer and easier, and can help prevent tripping or falling. AFOs are commonly used by people with conditions like stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or foot drop.

A leather gauntlet is a custom-made ankle brace made from soft leather and other supportive materials. It wraps around the ankle and lower leg to provide support and stability, especially for people with arthritis, weak ankles, or foot and ankle pain. It’s designed to fit each person’s foot and ankle shape for better comfort and control.

A Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker (CROW) is a custom-made boot that fully surrounds the foot and lower leg. It is used to protect and support the foot, especially for people with Charcot foot, a serious condition often linked to diabetes. The CROW helps reduce pressure, prevent further injury, and allows the foot to heal by keeping it stable and supported.

For more information visit our Diabetic Limb Care page.

A brace that supports the leg from the thigh down to the foot. It helps people stand, walk, or move better by stabilizing the knee, ankle, and foot, especially when muscles or joints are weak or not working properly.

A hip orthoses (also called a hip brace) is a medical device worn around the hips to support and protect the hip joint. It’s usually made of fabric, plastic, or metal, and can be soft or stiff depending on what it’s used for. The common use for hip braces is to stabilize the hip, limit movement and help support healing by reducing pressure on joints and surrounding muscles.

Who it helps:

• People recovering from hip surgery or injury

• People with hip dislocation risks (e.g. after hip replacement)

• Children with conditions like hip dysplasia

• Older adults with arthritis or weak hip joints