Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO)

You have been prescribed a Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO) after an assessment with your Orthotist. This leaflet will provide you with information on the wear and care of your prescription.

Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO)

A Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO) is a specific orthotic device, fitted to the lower leg to stabilise the knee, foot and ankle and offer control when standing and walking.

Your device may be solid or hinged

There are a number of reasons why a KAFO may be provided, including:

•           To provide support to weakened or weakening joints

•           To control abnormal muscle tone

•           To prevent abnormal motion

•           To reduce pain

•           To offer increased control and stability of the foot and ankle

Your KAFO has been specially provided to meet your own clinical needs and has been customised (adapted) for your use only by your Orthotist to treat your presenting symptoms.

How often should I wear my KAFO?

When you start to wear your KAFO it is important to increase the wear time gradually. As the KAFO is made from firm materials this increases the risk of skin pressures and soreness and therefore gradually wearing will allow you to assess your skin and any evident signs of pressure.

A KAFO should not cause pain and therefore if you do experience pain or discomfort you should remove the device, check your skin for any obvious areas of redness or pressure and reduce the wear time to allow further adjustment.

Once you have been prescribed with a KAFO, your Orthotist will discuss a suitable wearing schedule. It is generally advised that you start to wear your KAFO for approximately 30 minute periods, increasing this time by 30 minutes each day until your tolerance increases.

What shoes should I wear with my KAFO?

Your KAFO will provide structural stability to the foot and ankle and therefore the footwear you purchase does not need to offer these qualities.

KAFO designs are generally a little bulky so you may need to purchase footwear in a larger size to accommodate this. You might also need to purchase different sized footwear if you only wear a KAFO on one leg. It is recommended that once your KAFO has been supplied to you, you should take it to a shoe shop to trial different styles of footwear. This will ensure you are comfortable with both your KAFO and your footwear. There are some brands of footwear that work well with a KAFO. These include:

•           Shoe zone

•           Nike Flyease

•           Cosyfeet

•           Friendly shoes UK

How often will my prescription need to be reviewed?

Your KAFO will not be reviewed routinely by the Orthotic department however we advise that you contact to arrange a review appointment if:

•           You feel your KAFO has worn and is no longer functioning    effectively

•           You are concerned about a change in your condition

•           6 months have passed. This is to allow servicing of joints

How do I care for my KAFO?

Your KAFO is usually made from plastic and/or metal and is easy to wipe clean. We would advise that your KAFO is cleaned daily with a damp cloth or wipe. This is to prevent bacteria build up and risk of skin irritation.

Should the straps, padding or lining of your KAFO become worn or damaged please contact the Orthotics Service to allow repairs to be arranged.

How do I contact the Orthotics Service?

Orthotics Service
Monday to Friday
08:30-16:30
Telephone: 01429 522 471

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet Reference: PIL1413
Date for Review: 10/05/2026