At Masterton Foot Clinic, prescription bracing is one of our specialty areas — and when it comes to complex lower limb support, we are proud to be one of the few providers in the region experienced in assessing and fitting Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFOs).
A KAFO is a specialised orthotic device that supports the leg from the thigh down to the foot, designed to restore stability, assist walking, and protect vulnerable joints. These devices are often custom-made to suit individual needs, and can be life-changing for people with significant muscle weakness or joint instability.
We prescribe KAFOs to:
- Provide Full-Leg Stability: Support the knee, ankle, and foot in cases of neurological or muscular impairment.
- Improve Gait & Function: Help restore safer, more efficient walking patterns.
- Reduce Pain & Fatigue: Offload affected joints and improve alignment to reduce stress on the body.
- Prevent Collapse & Deformity: Maintain correct joint position and prevent progressive structural changes.
KAFOs are most often prescribed for:
- Neurological Conditions: Such as polio, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or spinal cord injury, where leg control is reduced.
- Severe Injury Recovery: Including complex fractures, ligament damage, or post-surgical rehabilitation.
- Muscular Weakness or Paralysis: Where strength in the quadriceps or lower leg is insufficient for walking without support.