Richie braces are a type of ankle foot orthoses (AFO). Why choose the Richie brace? Well while there are a number of different styles of AFO, the Richie brace is one of the most popular options both among podiatrists and patients. The Richie brace was first developed in 1996 by sports physician Dr Doug Richie and has since then became a suitable replacement for most traditionally made AFOs.
Why choose the Richie brace? - Advantages of the Richie brace
Richie Braces are designed to be more lightweight, flexible and comfortable than traditional AFOs. One of the main reasons they are more comfortable is they do not cover as much of the leg and ankle as a traditional AFO. A Richie brace has the following advantages:
- Lightweight
- Cooler with better airflow
- Less rigid
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Includes custom made foot orthotics
- Can fit into most shoes
- Can work with orthotic-friendly sandals
When do I need a Richie Brace?
Richie braces are suitable for treating a number of different conditions. They are used most commonly to treat “foot-drop” which is when the muscles in your leg are unable to hold up the foot to clear the ground properly during gait. This can lead to trips, falls and difficulties getting around.
Conditions which may need a Richie brace include:
- Upper and lower motor neuron conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (adult acquired flat foot)
- Severe hypermobility
- Chronic ankle instability
- Post-stroke
How do I get a Richie brace?
The process for getting a Richie brace is very similar to getting a custom orthotic made with minor differences. Instead of taking a 3D scan of just your foot, we make a plaster cast of your foot, ankle and lower leg. This allows the brace to be fully customised to your body.
If you think you may need a Richie brace or would like to learn more, book an appointment with one of our knowledgeable podiatrists.