Many orthotics are designed to improve the quality of life for those who use them. Orthotics can be used as an aid for those with chronic foot and ankle problems and those recovering from orthopedic injuries such as amputation or fractures. They can also be used by athletes to help prevent injury and increase performance. There is a wide variety of orthotics available, so it's important to find one that suits your needs best.
What Are the Uses of Orthotics?
Orthotics are orthopedic devices used to modify the structure and improve the function of a joint. They are made of orthopedic materials, which can be fabric or plastic, and they are held in place by straps over the orthosis.
Orthotics are commonly used in orthopedics, podiatry, sports medicine, and physical therapy. They have been especially useful in providing orthopedic support to improve alignment and correct deformities like knock knees (pigeon-toes) or bow legs (genu varum). They are also used to immobilize a fractured bone.
Often, these orthopedic devices are used in orthopedic surgery to help patients recover their function, but they can be used far beyond the orthopedic clinic. Here are three other ways orthotics can be used to help improve an individual's quality of life:
1. Prevention of Lower Back Pain
Orthotics can prevent lower back pain in several ways. As orthotics support the arch in your foot, they help reduce the load on your lower limb joints and, therefore, less pressure is placed through your knees and hips. Also, orthotics correct overpronation, significantly reducing the load on your lower limb joints.
2. Correction of Orthopedic Foot Deformities
Orthotics are used to correct different foot deformities, such as flat feet, high arches, and cavus feet. It is possible for an orthopedist to make you a custom shoe insert that may help change the position of your foot. This orthotic device may also stop or limit the effect that your deformity has on your lower limb joints. For example, an orthotic device might stop the overpronation associated with flat feet.
3. Orthotics for overuse injuries
A less common use of orthotic devices is for overuse injuries, often seen in athletes who participate in repetitive strain sports, including running and tennis. Orthotics for overuse injuries may take the form of a custom orthotic device that can limit the effect that an overuse injury has on your lower limb joints by supporting and stabilizing weak or injured areas of the foot. For example, orthotic inserts might support an injured arch or cushion an uncomfortable bony area such as a heel spur.
The Bottom Line
Orthotics are fantastic for people who have foot pain or biomechanical issues. They can correct your gait and help you avoid surgery to fix flat feet. If you think orthotics might be right for you, talk with your doctor about the best option for your needs.
Share30 September 2021
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