mary2

My experience is very limited. I am 10 weeks post pttd surgery. In the 5 years before the surgery I tried two afos...the Ritchie Brace was flexible at the ankle and I understood why it would be good to have that movement but I could not get used to it hurt and the Dr was not very flexible about sending it back for adjustments...then a new Dr and an Arizona brace. It too had fitting problems but I worked with skilled techs at a medical supply store who made the adjustments necessary to allow for the comfortable fit. I wore the Arizona for a year with great comfort but still had the pain after walking any distance, but no pain with very short distances.
My advice would be be sure you are able to work with techs that can adjust any AFO. Maybe you don't have sensitive feet....I am bothered by even a wrinkle in my sock.
I must say I liked the comfort of how tha arizona fit, but over time I am not sure how it would be. I hope you hear from folks who have worn AFOs for longer thatn a year.