Ossur Carbon Fiber AFO Light Brace | Drop Foot AFO Brace

Ossur Carbon Fiber AFO Light Drop Foot Brace

The Ossur Carbon Fiber AFO Light is the #1 doctor-recommended carbon fiber AFO that provides excellent support where needed, eliminating unnecessary bulk while delivering a cosmetically appealing, low-profile design. Utilizing Flex-Foot technology and the energy-storing properties of carbon fiber, the AFO Light offers a strong and lightweight solution for people with mild to moderate drop foot.

Carbon Fiber Technology: Carbon fiber is an extraordinarily strong polymer material that is five times stronger than steel yet twice as stiff, while remaining extremely lightweight. The thin, strong crystalline filaments create a spring-like action that aids the foot in dynamic motion, providing energy return during walking.

How to Measure for Proper Fit

Ossur Carbon Fiber AFO Light Drop Foot Brace

Primary Measurement (Required): Measure the circumference of your calf at its widest point. Use a flexible tape measure and wrap it around your calf muscle. This measurement determines your size (Small, Medium, Large, X-Large).

Additional Measurements for Optimal Fit

These measurements help ensure the AFO will fit your leg length and foot size properly:

• Leg Length: Measure from the bottom of your heel to the bend of your knee (popliteal crease) while standing
• Ankle Circumference: Measure around your ankle at the narrowest point
• Foot Length: Measure from heel to longest toe
• Shoe Size: Your regular shoe size (you may need shoes 1-2 sizes larger to accommodate the AFO, or you will have to have it custom cut to fit)

Össur AFO Light Selection & Measurement Chart

	Small	Medium	Large	X-Large
Part numbers
Right Leg	O-121012	O-121014	O-121016	O-121018
Left Leg	O-121022	O-121024	O-121026	O-121028
Shoe size (US)
Male	Up to 7.5	8–10.5	11–14	12–15
Female	7–9	9.5–12	—	—
Foot size	8.75–9.5" (22–24 cm)	9.5–10.5" (24–27 cm)	10.5–11.5" (27–29 cm)	11.5–12.5" (29–32 cm)
Foot plate	8.75" (22 cm)	9.25" (23.5 cm)	10.25" (26 cm)	10.75" (27.5 cm)
Calf height*	12.5–14.25" (32–36 cm)	13.5–15" (34–38 cm)	14.25–15.75" (36–40 cm)	15–16.5" (38–42 cm)
Spring length**	13.5" (34 cm)	14.25" (36 cm)	15" (38 cm)	15.75" (40 cm)
Heel height	0.6" (1.5 cm)	0.6" (1.5 cm)	0.6" (1.5 cm)	0.6" (1.5 cm)
Weight	2.8 oz (80 g)	3.15 oz (90 g)	3.5 oz (100 g)	3.85 oz (110 g)

* Height measured at the thickest part of the calf.

** Length of the posterior spring.

Clinical Indications

Ideal for: Mild to moderate drop foot

Contraindications

• Severe ankle-foot deformities
• Medial-lateral instability (consider AFO Dynamic instead)
• Severe spasticity
• Extreme athletic activity (consider AFO Dynamic instead)
• Fluctuating edema (significant daily swelling changes)

Features & Benefits

• Energy Return: Propulsion assistance at toe-off for more efficient walking
• Ground Clearance: Supports the foot during swing phase to prevent dragging
• Lightweight & Strong: Carbon fiber provides excellent strength-to-weight ratio and dynamic motion
• Gradual Plantar Flexion: Smooth initial contact with the ground
• Optimized Stiffness: Gradient at heel and toe corresponds to ground reaction forces
• Easy Application: Simple to put on and take off
• Low Profile: Cosmetically appealing, minimal bulk design
• Weight Capacity: Supports up to 220 lbs (100 kg)

Insurance Reimbursement Code: L1930

Shipping: Ships from NJ or CA warehouse in 1-3 business days based on your location.

Product Overview Video

Application Instructions

Follow these instructions for proper application of your AFO Light brace:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I trim the AFO if it's too large?

You will need to take it to a Prosthetic and Orthotic clinic. They can custom-cut the carbon fiber to fit properly and address any issues such as rubbing or pressure points. Professional trimming ensures the structural integrity of the carbon fiber is maintained.

What is Foot Drop?

Foot drop (sometimes called drop foot) is difficulty lifting the front part of the foot. The most common cause is injury to the peroneal nerve, which controls the muscles that lift your foot. If you have foot drop, the front of your foot might drag on the ground when you walk. Foot drop is not a disease itself—it's a sign of an underlying neurological, muscular, or anatomical problem. Sometimes foot drop is temporary, but it can be permanent.

What are the symptoms of Foot Drop?

Foot drop makes it difficult to lift the front part of your foot, so it might drag on the floor when you walk. This can cause you to raise your thigh higher than normal when walking (steppage gait) to help your foot clear the floor. This unusual gait might cause you to slap your foot down onto the floor with each step. In some cases, the skin on the top of your foot and toes feels numb. Depending on the cause, foot drop can affect one or both feet.

What causes Foot Drop?

Foot drop is caused by weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in lifting the front part of the foot. Common causes include:

• Nerve injury: Compression of the peroneal nerve in your leg (most common cause). This nerve can be injured during hip or knee replacement surgery. A "pinched nerve" in the spine can also cause foot drop. People with diabetes are more susceptible to nerve disorders associated with foot drop.
• Muscle or nerve disorders: Muscular dystrophy, polio, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease can contribute to foot drop.
• Brain and spinal cord disorders: ALS, multiple sclerosis, or stroke may cause foot drop.

What's the difference between AFO Light and AFO Dynamic?

The AFO Light features anterior (front) mounting and is ideal for mild to moderate drop foot up to 220 lbs. The AFO Dynamic has side-mounted support for better comfort, supports up to 265 lbs, includes a full-length toe lever and tapered heel for enhanced energy return, and is less visible in shoes. Many customers prefer the AFO Dynamic for its superior fit and performance. Compare AFO Dynamic here.

What shoes work best with the AFO Light?

You'll need lace-up shoes or boots that are 1-2 sizes larger than your normal shoe size to accommodate the AFO. Athletic shoes with removable insoles work well. Avoid slip-ons, loafers, and shoes with narrow toe boxes. See our complete shoe guide for detailed recommendations.

When should I replace the straps and padding?

With daily use, soft goods (straps, padding, Velcro) typically need replacement about once a year, sometimes sooner if you're very active or wash them frequently. Signs it's time to replace: Velcro no longer sticks well, padding is compressed or thin, straps are frayed, or the brace feels loose even when fully tightened.

Warranty & Authenticity

Authorized Dealer | 6-Month Manufacturer Warranty | Authentic Product Quality Guaranteed

OrthoTape.com is an authorized dealer of Ossur products and guarantees their authenticity and craftsmanship. Unlike eBay and Amazon which may sell counterfeit or outdated items, we get our products directly from the manufacturer as an authorized dealer. We also back our products with great customer service. You always have someone you can call!

Questions? Call us: 800-580-9887 (M-F 9:30 AM – 5 PM EST)