ORTHOTIC SERVICES
- Orthotics is a specialty within the field of health care technology concerned with the design, manufacture, and application of orthoses (braces). An orthosis is defined as an “externally applied device used to modify the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal system”.
Foot orthoses
Foot orthoses are specially designed shoe inserts that help support the feet and correct any imbalances.Some of the foot and lower extremity problems that can be successfully treated in the long term with orthotics include corns and calluses, foot ulceration, tendinitis, recurrent ankle sprain, plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome, and recurrent stress fractures .Other treatments may include exercises and shoe recommendations.
An ankle-foot orthosis
An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is an orthosis or brace that obstructs the ankle and foot. AFOs are applied externally and are intended to control ankle position and movement, compensate for weakness, or correct deformities. AFOs can be used to support weak limbs or to place a limb with contracted muscles in a more normal position. They are also used to immobilize the ankle and lower leg in the presence of arthritis or fracture, and to correct foot drop; of “L”, with the vertical part behind the calf and the lower part under the foot.
Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis
A Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis or KAFO is a lower extremity orthosis used to control instabilities in the knee and lower extremity by maintaining proper alignment and controlling movement. Instabilities can be caused by broken bones, arthritic joints, hyperextension of the knee, muscle weakness, and / or paralysis. As there are many different reasons why a person may need to use a KAFO, there are many different designs for a KAFO depending on the need. A KAFO can be made with leather components or with plastic components. It also has a variety of knee joints (from fall locks to no locks) that is determined by a person’s condition
