About the OrthoPed splint
The OrthoPed splint is designed for people with foot drop or related walking difficulties where lifting the front of the foot is harder than it should be. It uses a neoprene ankle strap, cord tensioning and a round magnetic clasp to assist toe clearance during walking.
- Patented design: GB2618786.
- Works with lace-up shoes or suitable Velcro-fastening shoes.
- Designed to be used on either the left or right leg when ordered and fitted appropriately.
- Lightweight and lower profile than many rigid AFO options.
- Designed with practical everyday use in mind, including independent application for suitable users.
- Paediatric evidence is available, but current child sizing and availability should be checked directly with OrthoPed.
Tested and proven
OrthoPed states that the splint has been tested in a laboratory by the National Physical Laboratory and in clinical studies with the University of Portsmouth and two NHS Trusts. OrthoPed also states that the splint should last a minimum of six months with regular use and offers a six-month guarantee.
The OrthoPed development programme has been supported by Innovate UK, Innovate UK Business Growth, UK Research and Innovation and SIGHT. Innovate UK project numbers 10025587 and 10065645 are listed in OrthoPed material.
Who the OrthoPed splint may help
OrthoPed's FAQ lists the following conditions and presentations as potentially improved through use of the splint:
- Flexible pes planus
- Mild to moderate spastic quadriplegia, diplegia or hemiplegic cerebral palsy
- Hypotonia
- Hypotonic cerebral palsy
- Severe pes planus
- Mild ankle instability
- Intermittent toe walking
- Flaccid paralysis
- Vincristine neuropathy
- Peripheral neuropathy
Suitability still depends on the person. Foot posture, tone, walking pattern, skin condition, footwear and balance all matter.
When the OrthoPed splint is not suitable
OrthoPed lists the following as situations where the splint should not be used:
- Significant equinovarus or valgus.
- Severe hypertonicity.
- Weakness deformity.
- Dominant toe walking.
Always check with your healthcare provider if you are unsure, especially if foot drop is new, changing, severe, linked to stroke or neurological disease, or causing falls.
What people say
Feedback reported in the OrthoPed Children's Study and related patient and public involvement sessions was strongest around three practical themes: comfort, independence and everyday walking confidence. These comments are study feedback, not a guarantee that the splint is suitable for every size, diagnosis or walking pattern.
"Felt comfortable and looked discreet"
"I can put it on myself"
"Her walking is much better"
Patient and public involvement feedback also highlighted single-handed application, compatibility with lace-up and suitable Velcro shoes, and the need to check current sizing and suitability directly with OrthoPed or a healthcare professional.
How to order
OrthoPed publishes current ordering, sizing, price, VAT and shipping details on its own shop page. Check OrthoPed directly before buying, because product availability, pricing and delivery details can change.
If you are unsure whether the splint is suitable for your walking pattern, you can also contact Mobile Physiotherapist for advice about assessment, walking rehabilitation and support options.
About Claire Williamson
Claire Williamson is a Chartered Physiotherapist, HCPC registered, CSP registered and Director of Buzzy Bees Physiotherapy. Older OrthoPed source material refers to Claire Williamson by her former name, Claire Narborough.
Claire established OrthoPed after frustration with existing products for people with moderate foot drop and developed the splint through iterative design, grant funding, laboratory testing and clinical study work.
OrthoPed Footdrop Splint user guide
The video above loads the official OrthoPed Footdrop Splint user guide from YouTube. If the embedded player is blocked by your browser or cookie settings, open the OrthoPed user guide on YouTube. The written sequence below follows OrthoPed's published fitting instructions.
Putting on and removing the splint
Use a sock under the ankle strap for comfort. The splint is designed for lace-up shoes or suitable Velcro-fastening shoes, but not elastic laces.
1. Open the strap and clasp
Sit with both feet flat on the floor. Open the neoprene ankle strap and pull the round clasp away from its magnetic base.
2. Place the foot through the loop
Place your foot through the cord loop while keeping the foot settled and supported.
3. Fasten the ankle strap
Wrap the neoprene strap around the ankle, pass the Velcro tab through the buckle and fold it back to secure it. You should be able to fit one finger at the top and bottom of the strap.
4. Bend the ankle forwards
With the foot flat on the floor, bend the ankle forwards as far as is comfortable so the knee moves towards, or over, the toes.
5. Attach the hook to the shoe
Attach the hook to the shoelace or Velcro strap furthest from the ankle. For Velcro shoes, close the shoe's Velcro strap over the hook; the shoe needs a D ring on the bottom strap.
6. Adjust the cord tension
Twist the round clasp to create enough cord tension to walk without catching the toes. The clasp tightens when twisted to the right. With lace-up shoes, recheck the tension after a couple of minutes because the shoelace may move.
Taking the splint off
1. Pull the round clasp off its magnetic base to release the cord tension.
2. Take the hook off the shoe, then open the neoprene ankle strap.
3. Pull the splint off the foot once the strap and hook have been released.
Frequently asked questions
How long should my splint last?
OrthoPed states that the splint has been tested by the National Physical Laboratory and should last a minimum of six months with regular use. OrthoPed also states that it offers a six-month guarantee.
How do I know if the OrthoPed splint is right for me?
Suitability depends on the cause and severity of foot drop, ankle stability, tone, deformity, skin condition and footwear. If you are unsure, ask a clinician before buying.
How tight should the strap and cord be?
The ankle strap should allow one finger at the top and bottom. The cord tension is adjusted by twisting the round clasp so there is enough support to walk without catching the toes.
Do I need a different splint for each foot?
OrthoPed says the splint can be used on either the right or left leg. When ordering, follow OrthoPed's current sizing and hand-choice instructions.
How do I wash the splint?
OrthoPed advises hand washing and air drying only. Do not place the splint directly on a radiator or other heat source.
Can people with pacemakers use the OrthoPed splint?
The splint uses a magnetic clasp. People with a pacemaker or defibrillator should follow OrthoPed and medical advice before using it.
OrthoPed splint enquiry
Want advice on whether a splint, AFO, exercises or walking rehabilitation may suit your situation? Contact Mobile Physiotherapist and mention OrthoPed splint enquiry.