The Richie Brace (AFO)
The Richie Brace, also referred to as a AFO (Ankle Foot Orthoses) is a specialist device for complex Foot & Ankle Pathologies.
The Richie Brace details...
Appointment Length
May be casted in your MSK appointment. A separate appointment may be required for casting.
Device Cost
Discussed in MSK appointment
What is The Richie Brace?
The Richie Brace is a custom ankle brace otherwise known as an ankle foot orthoses. This specialist medical device is designed to treat chronic conditions of the foot and ankle. It may or may not be used in conjunction with other therapies.
Introduced to the medical community in 1996, The Richie Brace® has revolutionised the non-operative approach to the most challenging foot & ankle pathologies treated by the foot and ankle specialist and has transformed patient quality of life and functionality.
The brace has a contoured balanced orthotic footplate articulated to an adjustable semi-rigid lower leg uprights, the Richie Brace® is ideally suited to stabilise rotational forces at the Midtarsal, Subtalar and Talo-Crural joints. Modifications and enhancements are available to add further restrictions of motion in sagittal, frontal and transverse plane. The role of the brace is to “couple” the foot and ankle to more effectively reduce excessive force through the affected structures.
In order to prescribe the device appropriately here at ZW Clinics we would initially need to take:
Comprehensive lower limb assessment
Plaster of Paris Cast of the foot & ankle
Tailored rehabilitation programme alongside the prescribed device
Reviews of progression of using the brace. We are with you every step of the way!
Conditions where The Richie Brace can be used:
Foot Drop
Adult acquired Flatfoot deformity and Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)
Chronic Ankle Instability
Complex Foot & Ankle dysfunction related to trauma or other factors
Arthritis
Your first appointment will need to be an Initial Consultation:

Initial Musculoskeletal (MSK) Consultation
Pain inside the foot or lower limb? Joint, muscle, tendon or difficulty when walking or performing your favourite activities? This is the appointment for you and is the first step on your journey to becoming pain free. In this appointment you will get the chance to have a one-to-one with an experienced podiatrist. The podiatrist will plan the best course of action moving forward.