A wearer of an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) may experience skin redness, blisters, or rubbing. These three forums for people with spina bifida (myelomeningocele), multiple sclerosis (MS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) give many examples of various skin integrity problems associated with wearing an AFO. In addition to modifications of the orthosis, a clinician may want to consider ShearBan®. Using ShearBan to address chronic skin irritation from orthoses is a solution discussed by Phil Stevens, in his article “The use of ShearBan® in addressing dermatological concerns encountered in the management of deformational plagiocephaly.”

Any patient should ask their orthotist, therapist, or other caregiver about skin redness, blisters, or rubbing.