Most Spanish speakers call a foot brace una órtesis del pie or una férula del pie, and braces that reach the ankle are often called una órtesis de tobillo y pie (AFO).
Medical Spanish can trip you up even if your day-to-day Spanish is solid. You know what you need, yet the right term won’t come out. This page gives you the words that show up in prescriptions, rehab handouts, and store labels, plus short lines you can use at a pharmacy counter.
Spanish names braces by body parts (“ankle and foot”) and by purpose (“night splint”). That’s why more than one translation can be correct.
Foot Brace in Spanish: The Two Core Nouns
Two words cover most “brace” situations:
- Órtesis = orthosis. A device worn to help with alignment or movement over time.
- Férula = splint. A device worn to limit motion, protect a sore area, or hold a joint in one position.
If you say “foot brace” with no extra detail, these are the most common choices:
- Órtesis del pie
- Férula del pie
When the brace includes the ankle, Spanish patient handouts often use órtesis de tobillo y pie, commonly shortened to AFO even in Spanish. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital uses that exact phrasing and explains that orthoses are named for the body parts they control. St. Jude’s AFO handout in Spanish is a handy reference if you want wording that matches what many rehab teams hand to patients.
A simple way to pick the word
If the brace is part of walking, rehab, or long wear, órtesis usually fits. If it’s for rest, injury care, or short wear, férula often fits. People mix them in daily speech, so don’t sweat it.
Spanish Names For Common Foot And Ankle Braces
“Foot brace” can point to a lot of devices. These are the Spanish names that match the common categories people buy or get prescribed.
Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)
The common Spanish term is órtesis de tobillo y pie (AFO). Gillette Children’s Spanish handout uses the same name and lists several AFO styles. Gillette Children’s AFO overview in Spanish is useful if you want to match the vocabulary seen in patient instructions.
Night splints for heel pain
For plantar fasciitis or Achilles tightness, Spanish product labels often say:
- Férula nocturna
- Férula para fascitis plantar
- Férula para estirar el tendón de Aquiles
Walking boots and immobilizers
A rigid walking boot is often called bota ortopédica or bota inmovilizadora. Many travelers ask for a “foot brace” and mean this device.
What To Say At A Pharmacy Or Ortho Shop
These lines are short, clear, and widely understood:
- Busco una órtesis para el pie.
- ¿Tiene una férula del pie?
- Es para el tobillo y el pie, no solo el pie.
- Necesito talla mediana / grande.
- ¿Se ajusta con correas?
If you can describe the problem in plain words, do it:
- Me duele el talón al caminar. (heel pain with walking)
- Se me cae el pie al caminar. (foot drop)
- Me torcí el tobillo. (ankle sprain)
How To Describe Fit And Skin Irritation In Spanish
Fit is where most brace problems show up. These phrases get the point across fast:
- Me queda floja. (loose)
- Me aprieta. (too tight)
- Me roza la piel. (rubs)
- Me está haciendo una ampolla. (blister)
- Se me resbala. (slips)
Then ask for the common fixes:
- ¿Puede ajustar las correas?
- ¿Hay una talla más pequeña?
- ¿Tiene más almohadilla en esta zona?
Custom AFOs often come with break-in steps and skin-check tips. Hanger Clinic publishes a Spanish wear-and-care guide that uses the same wording patients hear during fittings. Hanger Clinic’s AFO wear and care guide in Spanish can help you follow the usual routine at home.
English To Spanish Table For Foot Brace Terms
Use this table to decode labels, discharge paperwork, or online listings.
| English Term | Spanish Term | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Foot brace | órtesis del pie / férula del pie | General request in stores or clinics |
| Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) | órtesis de tobillo y pie (AFO) | Gait control, rehab plans |
| Foot orthosis (insert/arch device) | órtesis plantar / plantilla | Shoe fit, arch comfort, foot pain |
| Splint | férula | Injury care, rest, protection |
| Night splint | férula nocturna | Heel pain programs during sleep |
| Walking boot | bota ortopédica / bota inmovilizadora | Short-term immobilization |
| Toe splint | férula para el dedo | Toe injuries, toe alignment |
| Bunion device | corrector de juanete | Big-toe alignment devices |
| Straps | correas | Adjustment and fit |
If you want a trusted spelling reference for broader medical vocabulary, UC Berkeley’s Health Initiative of the Americas hosts an English–Spanish health dictionary used by many health programs. Dictionary of Health Related Terms (English–Spanish) can help with accent marks and common variants.
Phrase Bank You Can Copy Into Notes
Keep these lines on your phone so you can pull them up under stress.
| What You Want To Say | Spanish Phrase | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| I wear a brace on my foot. | Uso una órtesis en el pie. | Swap órtesis for férula if that matches your device. |
| It goes on my ankle and foot. | Va en el tobillo y el pie. | Works well for AFO-style braces. |
| It’s custom made. | Está hecha a medida. | Good for molded braces. |
| Can I remove it for screening? | ¿Puedo quitármela para el control? | Useful at airports and clinics. |
| It rubs here. | Me roza aquí. | Point to the spot as you speak. |
| I need a new strap. | Necesito una correa nueva. | Works in stores and clinics. |
Small Details That Change The Right Term
These add-ons can stop mix-ups, even when the noun stays the same.
Walking versus resting
If you’ll walk in it, say para caminar. If it’s for sleep or rest, say para dormir or para descansar.
Rigid versus soft
Many stores list braces as rígida (rigid) or blanda (soft). You can say:
- Necesito una órtesis rígida.
- Busco una férula blanda.
Right versus left
For single-side devices, say derecho (right) or izquierdo (left).
Notes On Spelling And Online Search
Accent marks can change search results. The standard spelling is órtesis, yet you’ll see ortesis without the accent in some catalogs. Try both if you’re searching on a phone. Férula usually keeps the accent.
When A Translation Isn’t Enough
Sometimes the device needs a trained fitting, not just the right words. If you’re dealing with new weakness, numbness, open sores, or sharp pain, seek care from a licensed clinician where you are. A brace that fits poorly can create pressure spots fast.
If you want a simple one-line note to hand to a receptionist or store clerk, this works well:
Tengo una órtesis de tobillo y pie (AFO) y necesito ajustar o cambiar las correas.
References & Sources
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.“Ortesis de tobillo y pie (AFO).”Spanish patient handout that defines AFO and explains naming by body parts.
- Gillette Children’s.“Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) – Spanish.”Spanish overview of AFO styles and basic use notes.
- Hanger Clinic.“AFO Wear And Care Guide – Spanish.”Wear-and-care instructions with break-in and skin-check guidance.
- UC Berkeley Health Initiative of the Americas.“Dictionary of Health Related Terms: English–Spanish.”Standardized spellings and common medical vocabulary across English and Spanish.