Orthotic, PRAFO, contracture management Derek Jones Orthotic, PRAFO, contracture management Derek Jones

Solve equinus contractures with an innovative orthotic device

Looking for a solution to equinus contractures? Our Dynamic Dorsi-Assist (DDA™) Ankle Foot Orthosis (654SKG) offers innovative orthotic care that is adjustable and personalized to your needs. Our orthotic devices provide immediate relief and support long-term rehabilitation. We also offer a pediatric version of the DDA™, the 554SKG, to extend our impact to patients of all ages.

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An Innovative Orthotic Product for the Prevention and Treatment of Equinus Contracture

In this article, we have outlined the implications of equinus contracture, a condition that often affects stroke patients and can cause significant physical disability. We've addressed the limitations of commonly used orthotic solutions and introduced the 654SKG DDA Orthosis, a dynamic device designed to prevent and even reverse heel contractures.

This orthosis ensures tissue health and corrects biomechanics, making it a valuable tool for various clinical applications. The article also provides guidelines for its proper use and stresses the importance of consulting with healthcare professionals before starting to use any device for the treatment or prevention of equinus contracture.

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PRAFO, Orthotic, Gait Derek Jones PRAFO, Orthotic, Gait Derek Jones

Can I walk safely in a PRAFO?

This is a question that we are often asked. The short answer is yes, you can walk in a PRAFO (Pressure Relief Ankle Foot Orthosis). The PRAFO is an orthotic device family that is designed to provide complete relief from pressure or shear at the vulnerable heel area whether the user is in bed or walking around. Pressure ulcers represent a big problem for the NHS and protection from pressure and shear is key to prevention, or when things go wrong, to accelerate healing.

However, each PRAFO in the range offers much more than pressure relief though and this is essential to facilitate continuity of care. Continuity of care is an important part of the rehabilitation process and that is why our PRAFOs are designed so that the user can walk in them. If a product allows pressure protection but does not support the next step in the rehabilitation process then a different product would be required which necessitates further cost and inefficiency.

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PRAFO, Orthotic Derek Jones PRAFO, Orthotic Derek Jones

A Genuine Prafo Ankle Foot Orthosis is the Best Option for Your Foot and Ankle Support

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of choosing a genuine PRAFO AFO for your foot and ankle support needs, and why it's the best choice for those seeking the highest level of effectiveness.

Orthotists often confront situations that require quick and confident action and an off-the-shelf solution to common heel, foot and ankle issues. It might be for heel pressure ulcer prevention or treatment with a vulnerable patient - perhaps following a hip fracture, with diabetic foot disease or post-stroke.

With so many different product options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to determine which one is best for you. However, if you're looking for a high-quality ankle foot orthosis (AFO) that instantly provides the ultimate heel and foot protection and support whether the patient is ambulant or recumbent, you can't go wrong with a genuine PRAFO ankle foot orthosis (AFO). But what do we mean by a genuine PRAFO? Well, there is only one source of these.

PRAFO AFOs have been designed by experienced orthotists since 1990 to fit the clinical and biomechanical requirements of practising orthotists; providing unmatched protection and stability to the foot and ankle complex. PRAFO AFOs are a reliable option giving many of the benefits of a custom solution with off-the-shelf products.

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Orthotic, contracture management Derek Jones Orthotic, contracture management Derek Jones

Halt equinus contractures with the 654SKG DDA Orthosis

Contractures resulting in an equinus deformity are commonly seen in many patients in critical care, neurological, spinal cord injury and the vascular wards. Muscle imbalance across the structures of the foot and ankle can quickly result in a deformity. The foot is a complex dynamic structure that adapts to the loads placed on it; shaped by the nature of the muscles, ligamentous and bony structures. We must understand the particular risks presented by the features of each condition when thinking of a remedy. It should be obvious, for example, that tissue viability must be considered in each case alongside the biomechanics of deformity correction. The 654 DDA Orthosis is a simple to use dynamic orthosis that has been proven to be an effective solution to halt and even reverse this condition.

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Orthotic, contracture management Derek Jones Orthotic, contracture management Derek Jones

Spinal cord injury contracture correction

Contractures, or reduced joint mobility, are a common problem associated with spinal cord injury. Depending on the level of injury, we can often anticipate the muscle, tissues and joints at risk and ideally focus on prevention. From experience, prevention is always better than trying to manage these problems once a contracture is established. Research evidence is lacking when it comes to the effectiveness of passive stretching. Studies are few and usually focus on short durations of stretching. We suggest orthotic interventions have a place here - particularly when dynamic stretch can be used.

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