ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS
Are your feet aching again? Are you wondering if a simple shoe insert might help? It might. But depending on what the problem is, you could need an "orthotic" instead.
Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs): AFOs are designed to provide support, proper joint alignment to the foot and ankle, assist or substitute for muscle weakness, and protect the foot and lower limb. This type of orthoses typically comes in either metal or plastic and come in rigid, semi-rigid and articulated.
Lower Extremity Walker Boots: Walker boots are designed to aid in foot and ankle stability and limit range of motion of the lower extremity. Walker boots are designed with a solid or articulating ankle joint to accommodate for the treatment of injuries, fractures, chronic conditions or disease. Each orthosis has a removable inner lining to protect the skin from breakdown, malleolar (ankle) pads for additional stability and comfort, and a rocker bottom sole to provide smooth walking pattern.
Lower Extremity Soft Supports: Often referred to as soft goods, these orthoses include those braces that are fabricated and manufactured from neoprene, canvas, and fabric and can be reinforced with metal or plastic stays for additional support.
Functional Knee Orthosis: Functional knee orthoses are designed to aid in the stability of the knee joint secondary to ligament injury, postoperative reconstruction, meniscus damage, and for preventative protection. These orthoses are designed to provide maximum stability to the knee joint. Injury to the ligaments of the knee cause unwanted motion between the femur and the tibia. If left untreated, this can create significant joint laxity, lead to degenerative joint changes and put the patient at risk for further injury and cause subsequent damage to the surrounding structures. Functional knee orthoses can be made by the patient's measurements or by a custom model of the patient’s leg.
Knee Immobilizer: Knee immobilizers are often used to stabilize and immobilize the lower extremity postoperatively and during the acute stage of knee injuries. They provide maximum immobilization of the knee joint and compression.
Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFOs): KAFOs are designed to provide support, proper joint alignment to the knee, foot and ankle, assist or substitute for muscle weakness, and protect the foot and lower limb. KAFOs can be made from a variety of materials from metal to plastic. Other names include: posterior offset knee joint, stance control, locked knee, drop lock, bail or French lock and trigger lock.
Are your feet aching again? Are you wondering if a simple shoe insert might help? It might. But depending on what the problem is, you could need an "orthotic" instead.
- Inserts that you can buy in stores without a prescription can provide cushioning and support. They may be made of materials like gel, plastic, or foam. Inserts fit into your shoes. But they're not custom-made for your feet. They can provide arch support or extra cushioning on the heel, around the toes, or for your entire foot. Inserts might make your shoes more comfortable but aren't designed to correct foot problems.
- Orthotics are different. They are prescription medical devices that you wear inside your shoes to correct biomechanical foot issues such as problems with how you walk, stand, or run. They can also help with foot pain caused by medical conditions such as diabetes, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and arthritis. Orthotics might even help you avoid surgery to fix flat feet.
Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs): AFOs are designed to provide support, proper joint alignment to the foot and ankle, assist or substitute for muscle weakness, and protect the foot and lower limb. This type of orthoses typically comes in either metal or plastic and come in rigid, semi-rigid and articulated.
Lower Extremity Walker Boots: Walker boots are designed to aid in foot and ankle stability and limit range of motion of the lower extremity. Walker boots are designed with a solid or articulating ankle joint to accommodate for the treatment of injuries, fractures, chronic conditions or disease. Each orthosis has a removable inner lining to protect the skin from breakdown, malleolar (ankle) pads for additional stability and comfort, and a rocker bottom sole to provide smooth walking pattern.
Lower Extremity Soft Supports: Often referred to as soft goods, these orthoses include those braces that are fabricated and manufactured from neoprene, canvas, and fabric and can be reinforced with metal or plastic stays for additional support.
Functional Knee Orthosis: Functional knee orthoses are designed to aid in the stability of the knee joint secondary to ligament injury, postoperative reconstruction, meniscus damage, and for preventative protection. These orthoses are designed to provide maximum stability to the knee joint. Injury to the ligaments of the knee cause unwanted motion between the femur and the tibia. If left untreated, this can create significant joint laxity, lead to degenerative joint changes and put the patient at risk for further injury and cause subsequent damage to the surrounding structures. Functional knee orthoses can be made by the patient's measurements or by a custom model of the patient’s leg.
Knee Immobilizer: Knee immobilizers are often used to stabilize and immobilize the lower extremity postoperatively and during the acute stage of knee injuries. They provide maximum immobilization of the knee joint and compression.
Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFOs): KAFOs are designed to provide support, proper joint alignment to the knee, foot and ankle, assist or substitute for muscle weakness, and protect the foot and lower limb. KAFOs can be made from a variety of materials from metal to plastic. Other names include: posterior offset knee joint, stance control, locked knee, drop lock, bail or French lock and trigger lock.
