Facts on Orthotic

Orthotic is a branch of health that is involved with the designing of gadgets used to reinforce and restore the role of the limb. These gadgets are known as orthoses. They are meant for use by people with medical and physical abnormalities of their feet which give them pain and irritation when they are wearing ordinary shoes and standing for longer times. This footwear works by manipulating the ground-foot contact as the person walks or stands.

Conditions that require orthotic

There are several conditions of the foot that make walking and standing for a long time painful. Pes planus is when the feet are flat due to running, walking and standing. The plantar aspect of the foot becomes flat and the arches are overstretched. Moving becomes painful and the orthotic offers relief by creating an artificial arch. Calceneal spurs are spiky growths which develop on the heel. They are usually felt as sharp pains in the heel area. This pain can be contained by putting on a device which has a heel which is cushioned. In cavus foot, usually the first metatarsal reaches the ground before the others, causing it to be elevated. The foot device will work by reducing the elevation. Arthritis is characterised by cartilage inflammation which causes pain and swelling. It is very common in ankle joints. One can benefit a lot from orthotic as it reduces pressure and has better shock absorbing capabilities.

Types of Orthotic

There are different types of these footpieces with each specially designed to ease certain pains. Functional support feet which are abnormal. It prevents pes planus and absorbs shocks when running or walking. It supports the whole foot from the subtalar joints, midfoot joints, the arches of the foot to the tendons. In short, they prevent overuse damages and correct some deformities. The soft orthotic is made from a soft material. It is used as shock absorbers and for reinstating balance. It is usually used by those with foot malfunction and diabetes. The Rigid is made from a hard material such as plastic and graphite fibre which is moulded into the foot’s shape from the toes to the heels. Its primary function is for people who walk or stand for long periods of time. Semi rigid is primarily meant for athletics. It is manufactured using a soft material. Hard plastic is placed on the necessary places which fit the sport the device will be used for. It permits tendons to function without pain which is present when wearing normal shoes. Accommodative has devices that offer relief to minor pains and foot injuries. They are usually used to correct problems in children.

Advantages of Orthotic

This is a non invasive method of solving a problem that would otherwise require surgical intervention, it saves the beneficiary the pain and it is also cheaper than the surgery. The device can give permanent solutions to the problems if used continuously and consistently. The latest design also incorporates fashion in to its design as well.