Wear & Care Schedule

SMO

Ultimately, the wear and care of any orthosis is at the discretion of the prescribing clinician, as communicated to the patient. Here, however, are some simple guidelines:
Applying and Removing

  1. Begin by pulling back the plastic on the top of the AFO and sliding the foot into the device. Make certain that your child's heel is fully seated in the heel of the device. (Proper function is dependent upon the heel being seated properly in the AFO.)
  2. After seating the heel, a gap should appear between the top of your child's foot and the plastic. Place the dorsum pad under the plastic and snugly secure the straps.

Proper Fit

  1. AFOs that fit properly will hold the child's foot in midline in order to maintain stability and control.
  2. The forefoot of the SMO is designed to allow for growth in both length and width. When initially fit, The SMO should extend beyond the toes. The SMO will also be slightly wider than the child's foot, therefore you must pull the plastic up against the foot and then secure the straps.

Break-in Schedule

  1. We recommend that you check the child's foot every hour throughout the first day of wear. Increase wear intermittently for the first 4 to 5 days.
  2. You may notice red spots in different places on your child's foot depending upon his/her activities. If you do, remove the brace for a short while. If the red spots begin progressing into skin breakdown, please notify the doctor or orthotist immediately.

Shoes
Low or high cut athletic shoes will work with SMO's. You may have to go ½ to 1 full size larger than what the child normally wears. We recommend a wider shoe rather than a longer shoe to accommodate the SMO. If needed, the soft inlay of the shoe can be removed to allow for greater depth in the shoe.
Applying the shoe may take a little more force than you would normally apply. This may be accomplished with a slight twisting action to get the child's foot inside the shoe. Be patient and careful with the process.
Cleaning
Clean the SMO with a mild detergent and warm water. You may use a soft brush for more difficult areas. Towel dry or air dry. DO NOT use direct heat such as a hair dryer, as this may deform the plastic.
WARNINGS

  1. If the SMO is cold, do not open it suddenly or it may crack.
  2. Any pressure that may cause deep grooves in the plastic may cause the SMO to fracture.

Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to adjust or repair the SMO yourself. If the fit needs to be altered in any way, call the practice from where you received the device with any questions or concerns.