The AFO medical abbreviation stands for ankle foot orthosis, a brace that fits inside the shoe and along the back or sides of the lower leg to hold the ankle and foot in a better position. Its most common job is to lift the toes during walking for people with foot drop.
AFO shows up in physical therapy notes, rehab plans after a stroke, orthopedic and neurology visits, and supply orders for DME. The plural is AFOs when a person wears one on each leg. This page covers what an AFO does, the main types, how therapy notes mention it, and the related brace shorthand.
At a glance
Stands for
Ankle foot orthosis (plural orthoses)Plural or forms
AFO, AFOs, R AFO, L AFO, bilateral AFOsUsed in
Physical therapy, rehab, orthotics, neurology, pediatricsCommon reasons
Foot drop, stroke, cerebral palsy, nerve injury, neuropathyMade by
An orthotist, from a mold or scan, or chosen off the shelfDo not confuse with
KAFO (knee ankle foot orthosis) and SMO (supramalleolar orthosis)
What an ankle foot orthosis does
When the muscles that lift the front of the foot are weak, the toes can drag or catch on the ground, which raises the chance of tripping. People often swing the leg out or lift the knee high to compensate. An AFO holds the foot at a set angle so it clears the floor during each step and lands more steadily.
Braces can also control an ankle that rolls inward or outward, support a weak calf, limit unwanted motion after surgery, or gently stretch tight muscles. Most are made of lightweight plastic or carbon fiber with straps, worn with a supportive shoe one size larger in some cases.
Types of AFOs and what notes call them
| Type | Main feature | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Solid AFO | Holds the ankle fully still | Significant weakness or instability |
| Hinged or articulated AFO | Has an ankle joint that allows some motion | People who can control part of the movement |
| Posterior leaf spring | Thin flexible back that springs the foot up | Isolated foot drop |
| Ground reaction AFO | Front shell that helps keep the knee from buckling | Crouch gait, some neuromuscular conditions |
| Night splint or resting AFO | Worn while lying down | Stretching tight calf or heel tissues |
Custom AFOs are molded to the leg, while prefabricated ones come in standard sizes. The choice depends on the condition and on how the leg changes over time.
AFO medical abbreviation in therapy notes
Physical therapists record what assistance a person needs and which devices they use, so AFO is common in gait and mobility notes.
Sample PT note: "Ambulates 150 ft with R AFO and SBA, no loss of balance." The patient walked 150 feet wearing a brace on the right leg, with a helper standing by for safety (SBA), and stayed steady.
Orthotics order: "Custom L articulated AFO for foot drop after peroneal nerve injury." The brace is made for the left leg, has a hinge at the ankle, and targets weakness from a nerve injury near the knee.
Notes may also say "don and doff AFO independently," meaning the person can put the brace on and take it off without help.
AFOs medical abbreviation for children and adults
Children with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophies such as DMD, or toe walking may wear AFOs on both legs, written as bilateral AFOs. Kids grow, so their braces are checked and replaced regularly.
Adults commonly get an AFO after a stroke (CVA), with nerve damage from diabetes or injury, with multiple sclerosis, or after some ankle and foot operations. Therapists and orthotists work together to adjust the fit as strength and swelling change.
AFO abbreviation medical relatives
| Shorthand | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AFO | Ankle foot orthosis |
| KAFO | Knee ankle foot orthosis, extends above the knee |
| SMO | Supramalleolar orthosis, stops just above the ankle bones |
| FO | Foot orthosis, a shoe insert |
| TLSO | Thoracolumbosacral orthosis, a back brace |
The naming pattern lists each joint the brace crosses, then adds O for orthosis. After amputations such as a BKA, the device that replaces a limb is a prosthesis instead. More procedure and device terms appear in the surgical abbreviations guide.
Practical questions for the orthotist or therapist
- How many hours a day should the brace be worn at first?
- What kind of shoes work best with it?
- What skin marks are normal, and which ones mean the fit needs adjusting?
- How often should the brace be checked or replaced?
Checking the skin under the brace each day is a habit many therapists teach, especially for people with reduced feeling in their feet.
This page describes the abbreviation in general terms. Fit, wearing schedules and skin concerns are best discussed with your own orthotist, therapist or doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What does AFO stand for in physical therapy?
It stands for ankle foot orthosis, a brace that supports the ankle and foot. Therapists note it when describing how a person walks and what equipment they use.
What is an AFO used for?
Its most common use is foot drop, where the toes drag during walking. It is also used for ankle instability, muscle weakness after a stroke, and conditions such as cerebral palsy.
What is the difference between an AFO and a KAFO?
An AFO covers the foot and ankle and stops below the knee. A KAFO extends above the knee to also control the knee joint.
Is an AFO the same as a splint?
Not quite. Splints are often temporary or used at rest, while an AFO is usually worn during walking. Some resting night braces are, however, built like an AFO.