A heel ulcer is an open sore that develops on the skin of the heel, typically as a result of prolonged pressure or friction on the area. Heel ulcers can be painful and may take a long time to heal, especially in individuals with poor circulation or diabetes. There are several factors that can contribute to the development of a heel ulcer, including: Prolonged pressure on the heel due to immobility or sitting or lying down for extended periods of time Friction from ill-fitting shoes or socks Poor circulation, which can lead to slow healing and an increased risk of infection Diabetes, which can cause nerve damage and reduce sensation in the feet, making it more difficult to detect and treat ulcers Treatment for a heel ulcer typically involves relieving pressure on the affected area and keeping the wound clean and protected. This may involve the use of specialized dressings, pressure-relieving devices, and wound care techniques. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or correct underlying structural problems in the foot or ankle. Prevention is key in avoiding heel ulcers. This can involve regular foot inspections, wearing well-fitting shoes, and maintaining good blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes.

A forefoot ulcer is a wound or sore that develops on the ball of the foot, typically as a result of prolonged pressure or friction on the area. Forefoot ulcers can be painful and may take a long time to heal, especially in individuals with poor circulation or diabetes. There are several factors that can contribute to the development of a forefoot ulcer, including: Prolonged pressure on the ball of the foot due to standing or walking for extended periods of time Friction from ill-fitting shoes or socks Poor circulation, which can lead to slow healing and an increased risk of infection Diabetes, which can cause nerve damage and reduce sensation in the feet, making it more difficult to detect and treat ulcers Treatment for a forefoot ulcer typically involves relieving pressure on the affected area and keeping the wound clean and protected. This may involve the use of specialized dressings, pressure-relieving devices, and wound care techniques. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or correct underlying structural problems in the foot or ankle. Prevention is key in avoiding forefoot ulcers. This can involve regular foot inspections, wearing well-fitting shoes, and maintaining good blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes.

A Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis (KAFO) is a custom made brace that starts above the knee and extends all the way down the leg to the end of the toes. These braces will normally include a knee joint and possibly an ankle joint as well. A KAFO is prescribed by your physician when there is significant weakness and/or instability at the knee and ankle joints. The KAFO will allow patients to stand by locking the knee joint in the brace when the thigh muscles are too weak to support the knee. This brace can also reduce significant knee hyperextension (genu recurvatum) during the gait cycle. KAFOs can be extended to the hip to provide additional support to the hip joint if necessary.  The KAFO is commonly used in the treatment of: 1-Blount’s Disease 2-Genu Recurvatum 3-Post-Polio 4-Spinal Cord Injury 5-Arthrogryposis 6-Cerebral Palsy 7-Polio 8-Spina Bifida  At your initial assessment you will meet with your Orthotist to go through a complete assessment of your strength and range of motion and undergo an observational gait analysis. There are many different designs of KAFOs, each with different functions and levels of support. In collaboration with your Orthotist at OrthoProActive and your health team, we will determine which KAFO design will help to provide you with the best functional outcomes.