Re: What are plastic AFOs made of ?

[Guest guest]

I don't think there is any laytex in them. AFOs are made out of

different plastics and compounds. Mine are kevlar and graphite for

example.

Bob

>

> What are the plastic AFOs made of....would Latex be in them ??

>

> Thanks

>

> Geri

>

>

[Guest guest]

Among other things, what he said.

I would opt for some sort of contact dermatitis or 'heat' with the

plastic/resinous/fiber AFO directly touching bare skin for long

periods of time (Many folks who say they have an allergy to latex

surgical gloves really only have contact dermatitis, a somewhat sort

of different beast).

Of course, there alway is the possibility that there might be some

unreacted chemicals used in molding and strengthening the fiber

layers.

[Guest guest]

Didn't have the AFOs touching my skin had socks on and also tried different

socks..my sock would be wringing wet with in a few minutes.Thanks.

Geri

[Guest guest]

Most Toe-on AFOs are made of thermoplastic polyethylene. This material

can be molded by the orthotisist by heating the material. The heat

source is usually a tub of sand where the AFO is thrust into.

Most Toe-off AFOs are made of carbon fiber or pre-cast polypropylene

that cannot be adjusted by heating. These AFOs are usually

personalized by the use of expanded foam and/or felt inserts. Toe-off

braces are usually much lighter than toe-on braces, but at a price.

They can be broken more easily than the polyethylene. I know -- I

broke more than one!

When I needed protection form irritation, I cut the toe off a

knee-high nylon stocking and pulled it over my foot. up the calf, and

rolled a cuff over the top of my AFO after putting it on. The nylons

are very light, don't feel warm under the AFO, and most importantly,

they stay up. I didn't even need to buy the stockings as my wife

always wears out the reinforced toe leaving the leg portion perfect

for what I needed!

--Larry

[Guest guest]

All I know is I break out from them and Nylon is real bad for me...my legs get

to wet.......I get a puddle down by my heel and I just slosh..even with cotton

socks the are wringing wet........you know how ones skin looks when its in the

water to long...that what my feet and legs end up looking like..with inching and

small pimples ...looks like diaper rash but on my legs and feet...LOL....

Thanks,

Geri