Foot Drop AFOs: Custom-Fitted Foot Drop Braces in Ireland
Ireland's only TurboMed Centre of Excellence. Walk more safely and confidently with an ankle foot orthosis fitted by a qualified orthotist.
Reviewed by David Kingston, B.Sc. (Hons) Orth, MIAPO - October 2026
A foot drop AFO (ankle-foot orthosis) is a brace that holds the front of your foot up while you walk, so your toes clear the ground and you are less likely to trip.
At Optimum Foot Clinic in Maynooth, Limerick and Athlone, a qualified orthotist assesses your walking and fits the AFO that suits your condition, footwear and lifestyle.
What is foot drop?
Foot drop (also called drop foot) is difficulty lifting the front of the foot because the muscles that pull the foot upward, the dorsiflexors, are weak or paralysed. It is a symptom of an underlying nerve, muscle or brain condition rather than a disease in itself, and it can affect one or both feet.
Common signs of foot drop include:
- Toes catching or scuffing on the ground, especially on steps, kerbs and uneven paths
- Frequent trips or falls
- Lifting the knee higher than usual (a "steppage" gait)
- Swinging the leg out to the side to clear the foot
- The foot slapping down on each step
- Uneven wear on the toe of your shoe
What causes foot drop?
Foot drop is caused by damage to the nerves, spinal cord or brain that control the muscles lifting the foot, or by weakness in those muscles. The most common causes we see are stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), motor neurone disease (MND) and injury to the common peroneal nerve below the knee.
| Brain and Spinal Cord | Nerve and Muscle |
|---|---|
| Stroke | Common peroneal (fibular) nerve injury |
| Multiple sclerosis (MS) | Sciatica and L4/L5 nerve root compression |
| Motor neurone disease (MND) | Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease |
| Cerebral palsy | Diabetic and other peripheral neuropathy |
| Spinal cord injury | Guillain-Barré syndrome |
| Brain injury | Nerve injury after hip or knee surgery |
If you have new foot drop without a known cause, see your GP first so the underlying cause can be investigated.
How does an AFO help with foot drop?
An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) supports the foot in a lifted position during the swing phase of walking, so the toes clear the ground. A well-fitted AFO can reduce trips and falls, make walking less tiring, and help you walk further and more confidently. The right design depends on your strength, control, and ankle stability.
An AFO cannot cure the cause of foot drop. It supports you every time you wear it, and many people use one alongside physiotherapy.
What is the TurboMed Xtern AFO?
The TurboMed Xtern is a lightweight foot drop brace that sits outside the shoe and leg rather than inside it. Because it doesn't contact the skin of the foot or ankle, it avoids the rubbing, heat, and shoe-fitting problems common with traditional plastic AFOs. Optimum Foot Clinic is Ireland's only TurboMed Centre of Excellence.
Key features of the Xtern:
- Fits outside the shoe - attaches to your laces, so you can keep wearing your usual footwear.
- No skin contact at the foot or ankle, which suits people with sensitive skin, swelling or circulation problems.
- Flexible posterior strut that adapts to slopes, stairs and uneven ground.
- Swaps between shoes in seconds.
- Try before you commit - we use the TurboMed AT-X trial device in clinic so you can walk in it and see if it suits you.
- Models for adults and children, including the Xtern Classic, the Xtern Summit, the Xtern Frontier and a paediatric version.
Which type of AFO is right for me?
The best AFO depends on your diagnosis, muscle strength, ankle stability, spasticity, skin and the activities you want to do. Your orthotist will test your walking and recommend the option that suits you; for many people with flexible foot drop, an external AFO like the Xtern is the most comfortable choice.
| AFO Type | How it Works | Best suited for? | Negatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| External AFO (TurboMed Xtern) | Brace outside the shoe lifts the foot via the laces | Flexible foot drop; active users; sensitive skin | External application (Aesthetics) |
| Custom-moulded plastic AFO | Shell made from a cast of your leg, worn inside the shoe | More complex needs, ankle instability, spasticity | Very rigid and uncomforatble |
| Carbon fibre AFO | Thin, springy carbon brace inside the shoe | Active users needing energy return | Prone to delamination and is rigid |
| Off-the-shelf drop foot splint | Pre-made plastic or strap device | Short-term or mild cases | Can be uncomforatble, prone to breaking |
| Functional electrical stimulation (FES) | Electrodes stimulate the nerve to lift the foot | Stroke and MS with a working nerve | Skin irritation and hard to get right |
What happens at a foot drop assessment?
Your first appointment is a free 60-minute assessment with a qualified orthotist. We discuss your condition, assess your walk, test your ankle strength and range of movement, and let you try an AFO in clinic. You leave knowing which option suits you and what it costs.
1. Consultation - your medical history, diagnosis, goals and footwear.
2. Gait and physical assessment - walking analysis, muscle strength, ankle range of motion, skin check.
3. Trial fitting - walk in the TurboMed AT-X trial device or a sample AFO.
4. Recommendation and quote - a clear plan and price, with paperwork for your insurer.
5. Fitting - your AFO is adjusted to you and your shoes, usually within3 weeks
6. Review - if needed, a follow-up check to fine-tune the fit and settings.
Bring the shoes you wear most often, any letters from your consultant, GP or physiotherapist, and wear shorts or loose trousers.
Why choose Optimum Foot Clinic for a foot drop AFO?
Why choose Optimum Foot Clinic for a foot drop AFO?
- Ireland's only TurboMed Centre of Excellence - specialist training and the full range of Xtern devices on hand to trial.
- Qualified orthotist - every patient is seen by David Kingston, B.Sc. (Hons) Orth, MIAPO, a member of the Irish Association of Prosthetists & Orthotists.
- Three clinics: Maynooth (Co. Kildare), Limerick and Athlone (Co. Westmeath), with evening appointments until 7 pm, Tuesday to Thursday, in Maynooth.
How much does a foot drop AFO cost in Ireland, and is it covered by insurance?
Your assessment is free.
The cost of the AFO depends on the type you need, and you get a full quote before you commit.
AFOs are classed as medical or surgical appliances and are covered, in part or in full, by most Irish health insurers, including VHI, Irish Life Health, Laya Healthcare, Level Health, HSF Health Plan and Garda Medical Aid.
Prices start from €150 for off-the-shelf AFOs to over €1000 for TurboMed AFOs depending on the type of AFO you need.
Check your plan for "surgical appliances" or "orthotics" cover; we provide the receipt and details your insurer needs.
You may also be able to claim tax relief on medical expenses through Revenue's Med 1 process.
Please see your GP first if you have new, unexplained foot pain with swelling, redness, or fever; pain at night; or sudden weakness in your foot or leg.
Foot drop AFO FAQs
Do I need a referral to get a foot drop brace?
Can I wear the Xtern with my normal shoes?
How long does it take to get used to an AFO?
Will foot drop get better on its own?
Can children get a foot drop AFO?
How long does an AFO last?
Can we help you with foot drop?
Struggling with foot drop after a stroke, MS or a nerve injury
Book your free 30-minute foot drop assessment and try the TurboMed Xtern in clinic. Call (01) 505 2130.
Orthotics Clinic Locations
You can book a free 30-minute biomechanical assessment in our main clinic in Maynooth. If you prefer, you can book an appointment in one of our satellite clinics in Limerick or Athlone.