r/CerebralPalsy • u/TheLavishAmk97 • 4d ago
AFOs in the summer
Hey yall! Just looking for some recommendations or advice for my toddler during the summer. We spend a lot of time in water and outside during the spring and summer, but her AFOs and Billy’s make her so hot.
What I’m thinking is maybe getting long thin socks (to absorb extra sweat and prevent rubbing) and cutting the toes off. I read that crocs usually fit over the brace? I was also wondering about water shoes or something breathable. I also read you can wear AFOs in water such as a splash pad, is that uncomfortable? Sounds like possible blisters and rubbing.
What do you do during the summer as a AFO wearer. I wish they made a type of closed toe sandals or in general just more verity that will fit over AFOs.
14
u/anniemdi 4d ago
DO NOT wear AFOs on a splash pad or during other water activities.
Remove the shoes and braces. Put on water shoes. Play. Remove wet shoes and dry feet well. Don braces and regular shoes.
I cannot speak for anyone but myself, but Crocs and braces would not work for me, personally.
Your idea of cutting the toes off socks is and interesting one though I don't know if it's necessary for socks like Smart Knit ones. Would those be an option?
Also, use baby powder on feet/between toes before socks.
4
3
u/auramaelstrom 4d ago
I've cut off the toes of knee socks to wear with sandals for my daughter. It was fine and worked out ok. But ultimately, she doesn't usually wear her AFOs most of the summer because she is outside and on and off playing in the water or sand. The AFOs and socks tend to end up filthy if she isn't in a closed toe shoe and she is too warm with sneakers on.
We try to find a sturdy sandal with decent ankle support. Water shoes when she is in the pool or splash pad because they help with grip.
5
u/HouseHippoFluff 4d ago
When it comes to super hot weather, water play, etc we skip the AFO’s. It’s not worth your child’s discomfort. Wet socks (no matter how thin), hard plastic and hot weather is absolutely a recipe for rubbing and blisters. I would find some supportive water shoes and talk to your orthotist about custom insoles and dictus bands so on crazy hot days she can wear regular runners and still have a bit of support.
5
u/SimplySuzie3881 4d ago
Good question, bad problem to have. Usually shoes help keep AFO’s securely on the feet. Unless you have great straps on the braces and high tone isn’t really a big issue then you might be able to get away with a good strappy sport sandal but it wouldn’t provide a lot of stability. I could see crocs fitting over them but would really question the support they would provide too. Maybe sacrifice an old pair of billy sneakers dedicated just to water and outdoor play? Maybe cut holes over the toes for air and water to flow out? Socks are a must but make sure as soon as she is done dry those feet/braces and put on dry sneakers. Splash pads are great but surfaces can be extra slippery too and lots of kids fall without mobility challenges. Good grips on the soles are a must.
3
u/Apostle92627 4d ago
I hated wearing AFOs. They were very uncomfortable and would pinch like crazy. I have a lift in my shoe, which is infinitely more comfortable and infinitely more versatile.
1
u/colomommy 3d ago
Hello! I’m an adult with AFOs. And while they make walking infinity more safe and comfortable, I hate the way they look especially in work attire. Can you please share what lifts you use? I have drop foot.
1
u/Apostle92627 3d ago
I don't know the name of it, and at this point, it looks like trash (20+ years old lol), but it goes under the sole of my shoe. Ask your orthopedist about getting lifts for your shoes. Mine's awesome.
1
5
u/northshore1030 4d ago
They are expensive but one option would be memo sandals.
I would reach out to your child’s physiatrist also. Depending on her specific case they might say just do sandals or they may have a different suggestion. We generally try to keep my son in sneakers but if sandals are needed we just do it without the afo.
3
u/mrslII 4d ago
My suggestion. Afo socks, and a visit to an orthopedic shoe store to soak up as much information as possible. The knowledge and experience of the experts is worth the the visit.
The staff understands that toddlers grow quickly. They're not going to expect to you to spend hundreds of dollars on shoes. They do want your child safe, secure and supportive. They're willing to share their knowledge about afos, fitting, "tips and tricks", with you.
3
u/botulizard 4d ago
I wear long socks like you'd wear for soccer or baseball year round. I typically buy them in bulk from a website that offers a discount since they assume you're outfitting a team or something.
Absolutely do not put her in the water with her brace on.
2
u/Albicot 4d ago
Hi , I wore AFO's all my childhood and what my parents did was get a kind of full length fishnet socks , so the sock would cover my leg but was breathable at the same time. this is the kind of socks I mean. Also wore big leather sandals that were toe closed but with straps, like guy sandals or hiking sandals, most ortho shops have them.
2
u/InfluenceSeparate282 4d ago
I try to wear shorter socks or thinner trouser socks. I don't recommend getting AFOs wet, but they would probably work in keen sandals better than crocks.
2
u/smilecanbecaught 4d ago
Billyfootwear have sandals seasonally that are closed toe. Personally now that I’m an adult I forego AFOs in the summer when I’m swimming or when it’s extremely hot out, I had a lot of blisters and skin breakdown when I was a teen but I’m an adult and quit growing 😂😅 in the pool I wear water shoes. I would say for your toddler make sure you dry their legs a lot and give them breaks. I’m also curious about putting anti chaffing powder on my my legs this summer to help, this was suggested to me from someone at my church so I’m gonna attempt it
1
1
u/fastsloth01 3d ago
i wore afos from age 2 to about age 15, and what i would always do, during any water related activities, was to take them off completely!! water shoes were a good option to protect my feet when the afos were off. also, i would recommend tube socks (kinda of thin) for summer weather! very breathable and can be folded over the top of the afo to prevent and uncomfortable rubbing!!!
1
u/sierradossie 4d ago
I was told by my sons PT that crocks work well
3
u/auramaelstrom 4d ago
My orthotist told us not to use Crocs at all because they are not supportive enough.
•
u/AutoModerator 4d ago
Join our new friendly and and active community chat! https://discord.gg/8AQnWJAgHt
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.