Unlocking Better Movement: Nighttime Stretching AFO's for Kids
Hey there, everyone! Today, I want to dive into something that might sound a little technical but is actually super helpful—nighttime stretching braces (or stretching AFO's) for kids. If you’ve got a child who uses braces, this one’s for you!
The Challenge with Traditional Braces
In the past, we used what’s called a static progressive AFO (brace), which has adjustable straps. The idea was that over time, we’d tighten the straps to help improve range of motion. Sounds great in theory, right?
But… as any parent knows, getting kids to wear them wasn’t always so smooth. There were just too many straps to adjust, and it was hard to know how tight to make them. Plus, waking up with uncomfortable braces? Not fun. So, many families found these braces were simply not being used.
The Experiment: A New Approach
So, we asked ourselves—what’s the actual goal here? For most kids, it’s to prevent their feet from going into an excessive pointed-toe position (aka plantar flexion) while they sleep. Everyone does this naturally, but for kids who need braces, this can lead to tightness in the morning.
What if we could keep things simple? What if we used a more comfortable, static brace that just holds the foot in a neutral position overnight?
The Game-Changer: Solid Ankle Braces
That’s when we started experimenting with a new approach. We introduced a solid ankle AFO (ankle-foot orthosis), but with a twist—it’s made from soft, pliable plastic and lined with foam in all the important places. Super comfy! It’s all about ease and comfort, and guess what? It’s working!
Why This Works
Here’s the magic of this new design—compliance. It’s so much easier to use, with just one simple position to hold the foot. No adjusting straps, no waking up in discomfort. Kids can sleep through the night with their feet held in the right position, and when they wake up, they’re ready to move.
This makes it easier for them to slip into their daytime braces (if they use them), and they’re already set up for success with heel-toe walking. It’s like their feet stayed in “warm-up mode” all night long!
A Year of Success
We’ve been trying this for about a year now, and the results have been amazing. It’s made such a difference, not just for the kids, but for their parents too. We love seeing how this small change is making mornings and movement easier for everyone.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’ve been struggling with nighttime braces, maybe it’s time to think about trying something new! Keeping things simple, comfortable, and effective is key. Thanks for reading, and here’s to better and more flexible mornings!
Take care!
Dave
Comments