This is a question that we are often asked. The short answer is yes, you can walk in a PRAFO (Pressure Relief Ankle Foot Orthosis). The PRAFO is an orthotic device family that is designed to provide complete relief from pressure or shear at the vulnerable heel area whether the user is in bed or walking around. Pressure ulcers represent a big problem for the NHS and protection from pressure and shear is key to prevention, or when things go wrong, to accelerate healing.

However, each PRAFO in the range offers much more than pressure relief though and this is essential to facilitate continuity of care. Continuity of care is an important part of the rehabilitation process and that is why our PRAFOs are designed so that the user can walk in them. If a product allows pressure protection but does not support the next step in the rehabilitation process then a different product would be required which necessitates further cost and inefficiency.

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of choosing a genuine PRAFO AFO for your foot and ankle support needs, and why it's the best choice for those seeking the highest level of effectiveness.

Orthotists often confront situations that require quick and confident action and an off-the-shelf solution to common heel, foot and ankle issues. It might be for heel pressure ulcer prevention or treatment with a vulnerable patient - perhaps following a hip fracture, with diabetic foot disease or post-stroke.

With so many different product options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to determine which one is best for you. However, if you're looking for a high-quality ankle foot orthosis (AFO) that instantly provides the ultimate heel and foot protection and support whether the patient is ambulant or recumbent, you can't go wrong with a genuine PRAFO ankle foot orthosis (AFO). But what do we mean by a genuine PRAFO? Well, there is only one source of these.

PRAFO AFOs have been designed by experienced orthotists since 1990 to fit the clinical and biomechanical requirements of practising orthotists; providing unmatched protection and stability to the foot and ankle complex. PRAFO AFOs are a reliable option giving many of the benefits of a custom solution with off-the-shelf products.

When it comes to treating (or ideally) protecting against heel pressure ulcers, choosing the right product is essential. Every day, thousands of patients around the world are put at risk when using inadequate wound care products that fail to prevent and reduce their chances of developing skin breakdown due to prolonged tissue compression.

This is why investing in a well-researched heel protector that offers consistent protection is critical for orthotists, physiotherapists, doctors and patients alike. The PRAFO ankle foot orthosis range of heel protectors stands out as the top option on the market thanks to their impressive and often unique design features – this blog post will explore how they work and how these designs can support clinicians in preventing further tissue damage and keeping patients ambulant.

Pressure ulcers, once upon a time known as bedsores, are a serious and painful condition that can occur when there is prolonged pressure on the skin. When pressure is applied to the skin for an extended period of time, it can lead to a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the affected area, causing the skin to break down and form a sore. I need to add a bit of clarification here because no one can know if there is a safe level of pressure or a safe period of application - extended amount of time might not be very long at all. It varies so much with individual circumstances. The safest thing to do is aim to completely offload the heel area.

Pressure ulcers are more likely to occur in people who are bedridden or have limited mobility, as well as those who have certain medical conditions that affect blood flow, such as diabetes.:

Pressure ulcers have been a serious healthcare issue for many decades. In fact, today, the NHS spends some £1.4m per day in dealing with them and of course this does not sum up the total economic and emotional cost. Pressure ulcers are often thought of as preventable and even a “failure of care” but they are a result of many factors both mechanical and medical and this complexity is perhaps the reason why we so often see them.
The PRAFO range of ankle foot orthoses have evolved to be popular and effective devices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers at the heel area of vulnerable individuals.

As we saw in a recent article, pressure ulcers remain a serious problem. A plethora of medical and “mechanical” risk factors combine, leading to more than 400,000 pressure ulcers in the UK each year.

We could say that it’s not what you “put on” an at risk foot that provides protection - it’s what you take off - specifically pressure and shear. The PRAFO designs are effective means of doing just that.