Introduction
Prior to 1996, ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) were rarely prescribed or dispensed by podiatric physicians. Today, podiatric physicians account for almost 40% of the total volume of all of these devices dispensed to Medicare beneficiaries alone. Podiatric physicians prefer dispensing AFOs for disabling conditions such as adult acquired flatfoot, degenerative arthritis and drop foot, which are more likely to affect older, less active patients.2 However, an overlooked application of AFO bracing is the treatment of common sports injuries of the lower extremity. Recognizing the potential benefit of AFOs to enhance the treatment of tendon, ligament, and bone injury, podiatric physicians can enhance their status as the premier sports medicine specialists of the foot and ankle.