Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs)

AFOs can help your child move more comfortably by improving how the foot and ankle work together. When the joints are supported, children often find walking easier and more efficient, with less fatigue during play or daily activities. AFOs may also help with toe clearance, preventing tripping for children with foot drop.

While every child progresses differently, many families notice that walking feels smoother and more confident once the feet and ankles are supported in a stable, aligned position.

For children who feel wobbly or collapse at the ankles, AFOs provide steady, reliable support. By keeping the ankle in a stable position, AFOs help align the knees and hips, making standing and stepping feel safer.

This stability can help children practise new movement skills without working as hard to stay upright. Over time, this may support better balance, improved posture and greater independence, especially for children with low muscle tone or neuromuscular conditions that affect control.

Some children experience discomfort from tight muscles, uneven weight-bearing or feet that roll inward. AFOs can help reduce strain by supporting the joint in a more comfortable position and spreading pressure more evenly. This may ease pain during standing and walking and help prevent overuse of certain muscles.

While AFOs don’t treat the underlying cause of pain, they can make daily movement more manageable so your child can stay active and engaged without discomfort or fatigue limiting their play.

AFOs can protect growing muscles, ligaments and joints by preventing positions that may lead to tightness or deformity over time. For example, they may help reduce calf shortening from persistent toe walking or support proper alignment in children with flat, unstable feet.

By guiding the limb into a healthier posture during growth, AFOs may reduce the risk of long-term changes. Regular reviews ensure tailored support as your child grows and develops new skills.

Referrals aren’t necessary for a number of appointments. If you’d like your child assessed for head shape, toe walking or mobility, you can simply book an appointment online or by phone on 03 9836 4480.

Some conditions do need a referral however. For conditions such as hip dysplasia, scoliosis or pectus, or for management of fractures or acute injury, you’ll need a referral from your GP or other medical specialist.

If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us and we can help out.

Yes we do! We’re able to assist with a number of funding options and can help with funding applications and support documentation.

If your child isn’t eligible for NDIS funding, there are other options that might be available to you.

Feel free to contact us to discuss your needs.

Making an appointment is easy. You can book online for many different types of appointments. Otherwise, feel free to contact us if you can’t find what you’re looking for.