Product Review:TurboMed AFO

tomtheorthotist
Jul 16
2 min read

Foot drop can make everyday walking feel unpredictable, catching toes, struggling with uneven ground or feeling unstable on longer distances. Traditional ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs) often help but many designs sit inside the shoe and limit ankle movement, which can affect comfort.

The TurboMed AFO offers a completely different approach. It’s an external exoskeleton that attaches to the outside of your footwear, providing powerful dorsiflexion assistance with significantly reduced contact with the skin. This means fewer pressure points, less irritation and a more natural feel during movement.

How the TurboMed AFO Works

The TurboMed uses an energy‑return spring system that lifts the foot during swing phase, helping clear the toes and improving gait efficiency. Because it sits externally on the shoe, it allows:

Dynamic dorsiflexion support - reducing excessive plantarflexion during swing and improving ankle alignment.
Greater comfort for patients with wide feet who would struggle to accomodate an AFO inside the shoe.

Who It Helps

The TurboMed AFO is suitable for people with:

Foot drop
Dorsiflexion weakness
Peroneal nerve injury
Stroke (CVA)
Multiple sclerosis
Motor neurone disease
Cerebral palsy
Other neuromuscular conditions

Key Benefits

Fits externally over the shoe- better for patients who struggle to find shoes wide or deep enough to accomodate a device.
Quick shoe‑to‑shoe transfer- move it between footwear in seconds.
Models for different needs, including the Classic+ for active users and the Frontier for those with reduced hand dexterity.

Credits: Image taken from TurboMed Extern website

Our Clinical Process at Woods Orthotics

When assessing someone for a TurboMed AFO, we follow a structured clinical pathway:

Comprehensive assessment -including gait analysis, muscle testing and functional goals.
Footwear review - ensuring compatibility and stability.
Device selection - choosing the correct AFO and configuration.
Custom adjustment - heat‑modification and alignment tuning for optimal lift and comfort.
Follow‑up and refinement - ensuring long‑term comfort and performance.