SPECIALIST CARE · 10 HARLEY STREET, LONDON
Private AFO assessment in London
Individual assessment, prescription and fitting of ankle-foot orthoses.
Designed around your needs.
An AFO supports the foot and ankle. We assess your movement, strength, joint position and footwear before discussing fixed, articulated or other suitable designs.
Options include plastic, carbon-fibre and hybrid constructions with custom components. The choice of design is based on your clinical needs, practical goals and the findings of your assessment.
When an AFO may help
These are some of the reasons people come to us. Your symptoms, movement and goals determine whether this type of orthosis is appropriate.
- Foot drop
- Stroke (CVA)
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Cerebral palsy
- Peripheral nerve injury and ankle weakness
- Significant ankle instability or deformity
Understanding your AFO options
An ankle-foot orthosis supports the lower leg, ankle and foot. The design needs to account for how much movement you have, where support is needed, and how you stand and walk. We also consider how easily you can put it on and the footwear you will use.
Fixed AFOs
A fixed or solid AFO limits ankle movement. Its shell shape, footplate and stiffness are prescribed to provide the required support. Padding and straps help achieve a secure, comfortable fit.
Articulated AFOs
These include an ankle joint. Depending on the system, movement can be allowed, limited or resisted in particular directions. We assess your available movement and control before recommending a joint and its settings.
Flexible and dynamic AFOs
Some designs use controlled flexibility in the plastic or composite structure during walking. The amount and direction of movement vary. We explain how a proposed design relates to your walking pattern and goals.
Ground-reaction AFOs
These are designed to influence lower-limb alignment through the relationship between the brace, foot and shoe. The ankle and knee need to be assessed together when considering this approach.
Plastic, carbon fibre and hybrid designs
Moulded thermoplastic can be shaped around the limb, with stiffness adjusted through material thickness and shell design. Carbon-fibre components offer different combinations of stiffness and flexibility with relatively low weight.
Our hybrid AFO construction combines a custom 3D-printed shell, carbon side-stem components and a NEURO SWING articulated ankle joint. We select the construction around the support you need and explain the practical differences.
Your AFO and footwear are fitted together
Shoe depth, fastening, heel height and sole shape all matter. Bring your usual footwear to assessment. At fitting, we check the brace and shoe together, assess standing and walking, and make the necessary adjustments. You will receive advice on building up wear, skin checks and review.
A clear recommendation before you commit
After assessment, you receive an orthotic report and an itemised quotation. We explain the proposed device, fitting and any practical requirements, so you can decide whether to proceed.
Custom AFOs: device and joint details
Tap a photograph to view it in full size.
SPECIALIST CUSTOM AFO TECHNOLOGY
3D-printed precision.
Carbon reinforcement. Dynamic ankle control.
At Orthotic Consultants, we offer custom AFOs that bring together individually designed 3D-printed shells, carbon side-stem components and a NEURO SWING articulated ankle joint in one integrated prescription.
Each part has a purpose
3D-printed shells allow us to specify the shape and design around the individual limb and the support required. Padding, straps and contact areas are considered as part of the fit.
Carbon side-stem components provide structural reinforcement with relatively low weight. Their placement and stiffness form part of the prescription, alongside the shape of the calf and foot sections.
The active ankle joint adds controlled movement. With spring-assisted systems such as NEURO SWING, the orthotist can select spring resistance and permitted movement to suit the assessment. Here, "active" describes the mechanical response of the joint; it is not a motor-powered device.
Support that can be tuned to your walking
The aim is to balance stability with the movement you can use. Depending on the joint and settings, spring resistance can help control foot lowering and forward movement of the lower leg during walking. We assess the effect of the complete brace and shoe on your ankle, knee and overall walking pattern.
The technology is only part of the treatment
We assess your strength, available movement, skin, footwear and goals before deciding whether this construction is appropriate. The 3D-printed shell, carbon side-stem components and NEURO SWING joint are specified together, then checked and adjusted at fitting. Follow-up allows us to review comfort, function and joint settings as you build up use.
This is a specialist option for suitable patients, including those whose current AFO has not met their needs. A simpler design may still be the better choice. We explain the recommendation, expected benefits, limitations and servicing requirements before you decide.
Discuss a custom hybrid AFOEXAMPLES FROM OUR WORK
A closer look at custom AFOs
See how shell shape, joints, lining, straps and footplates come together. These are examples of individual prescriptions, rather than a catalogue to choose from without assessment.
READY-MADE CARBON OPTIONS
Carbon AFOs are not all the same.
Ready-made devices come in different shapes and sizes. These manufacturer examples show some of that variety. Suitability, sizing and footwear need individual assessment; a custom-made device may be more appropriate for some people.
© AllardManufacturer information
© ThuasneManufacturer information
© Thrive OrthopedicsManufacturer information
© OttobockManufacturer information
Product photographs: Allard, Thuasne, Thrive Orthopedics and Ottobock. These are manufacturer examples. Selection depends on your assessment, the support required, fit and footwear; the devices are not interchangeable.
Questions about private AFO assessments
Where can I get a private AFO assessment in London?
Orthotic Consultants provides private ankle-foot orthosis assessments at 10 Harley Street, London. Your assessment, prescription, fitting and reviews are personally carried out by Zishan Akhtar, Lead Clinical Orthotist.
Do I need a referral for a private AFO assessment?
You can self-refer and book directly with Orthotic Consultants. No GP or consultant referral is required. Please bring any relevant medical or rehabilitation reports. We can also work with your referring clinician or rehabilitation team where appropriate.
How much does a private AFO assessment cost?
Your assessment costs £199 and includes a clinical report and itemised quotation. The device is quoted separately. Casting, if required, and fitting each cost £99. Read the full fees and terms.
Where can I get an orthotic assessment for CMT, stroke or MS in London?
Zishan's clinical interests include orthotic care for people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), stroke (CVA) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Assessment considers your individual movement, footwear, everyday activities and goals before any AFO is recommended. Read about foot drop and AFO assessment.
Your assessment and fitting
Bring your current brace, usual footwear and any relevant rehabilitation reports. We check fit and function, explain wear and skin checks, and arrange review according to your needs.
You do not need to choose a device before your appointment. We assess your needs, explain the options and recommend a prescription. If you already have an orthosis that is not working for you, bring it so we can review it together.
Clear fees. Time to decide.
Your London assessment costs £199 and includes an orthotic report and itemised quotation. The device is quoted separately. Fitting costs £99 and a review appointment costs £99.
If casting is needed, it is carried out at the assessment appointment for an additional £99. We explain this charge before proceeding. Manufacture or ordering starts once you accept the quotation.
Not sure whether this is the right service for you? Ask our team before booking. Harley Street visits are by appointment only.