The Richie Brace is a custom ankle foot orthosis (AFO) made from a scan of your foot and ankle. It combines a foot orthotic with ankle support, is lightweight, and is designed to fit inside your everyday shoes.
Who it may help
- Ankle instability or ankles that keep giving way
- Adult acquired flat foot and tibialis posterior tendon problems
- Peroneal tendon problems
- Ankle and rearfoot arthritis
- Foot drop
- People who need more support than an orthotic alone
One brace, several styles
We prescribe the style that suits your foot, your ankle and how you want to move. Your podiatrist will talk you through which one is right for you.
Standard
A hinged brace for ankle instability, peroneal tendon problems, high-arched feet and mild to moderate tibialis posterior problems. The lightest of the range.
Dynamic Assist
Adds a spring-assisted hinge that helps lift the front of the foot as you walk. Used for foot drop, for example after a stroke, with Charcot-Marie-Tooth or with diabetic nerve changes.
Arch Suspender
Adds an adjustable strap under the foot. On the inside it helps stop the arch collapsing, and on the outside it helps stop the ankle rolling out.
Gauntlet
A lace-up, custom moulded leather style that holds the foot and ankle firmly. Used for rigid adult acquired flat foot, severe rearfoot arthritis or deformity, and Charcot foot.
California AFO
A custom moulded style with a single strap and no laces that holds the foot and ankle firmly. Used for severe flat foot, severe ankle arthritis or deformity, and Charcot foot.
Your appointment
Richie Brace or EXO-L?
The Richie Brace sits inside your shoe and supports your foot and ankle together. The EXO-L sits outside your shoe and works like an external ankle ligament. For some people custom orthotics alone are enough. We’ll recommend the option that suits you.
Footwear
The Richie Brace fits inside most supportive, lace-up shoes. Please bring the shoes you wear most often to your assessment, and we can help with fitting in our shoe and movement shop.
Sometimes advice is all you need
Not everyone needs treatment. Sometimes the most helpful thing is a clear explanation of what’s going on, practical advice and a plan you can manage yourself. We’ll always talk you through every option, including no treatment, so you can decide what’s right for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Richie Brace?
A custom made, hinged ankle foot orthosis that combines a foot orthotic with ankle support. It’s designed to be lighter and less bulky than many traditional AFOs.
Will it fit in my normal shoes?
It fits inside most supportive, lace-up shoes. We’ll talk you through footwear at your assessment.
How is it different from the EXO-L?
The Richie Brace sits inside your shoe and supports your foot and ankle together. The EXO-L sits outside your shoe and works like an external ankle ligament. We’ll recommend the one that suits you.
Is a Richie Brace covered by NDIS or private health?
It may be, depending on your NDIS plan or extras cover. We see self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants and can provide the information your plan manager or fund needs.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly with one of our podiatrists.