Orthotics and their uses

An orthotic is an orthopedic appliance or apparatus used to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities or to improve the function of movable parts of the body. Therefore, an orthotic is any device that is applied to your body that is meant to help you move and function better. There are several different types of orthotics that your physiotherapist may use.

Examples of orthotics that your physiotherapist may help you with may include:

1. Ankle foot orthosis (AFO): Orthotic device for the lower limb that encloses the ankle and foot and does not extend above the knee. This is commonly used in foot drop.

2. Cervical brace: A rigid plastic orthosis that encircles the neck and supports the chin and the back of the head.

3. Dynamic splint: A device that surrounds a joint to support it but moves to align your joint while stretching a specific part of it. For example, if you are experiencing elbow tightness after an arm fracture, your physiotherapist may prescribe a dynamic splint to help stretch your arm out while supporting it. The splint provides a low-load, long-duration stretch to your body part.

4. Knee ankle foot orthosis (KAFO): Orthotic device for the lower limb that extends from above the knee to the ankle and foot.

5. Lumbosacral orthosis ( LSO): spinal orthosis that encircles the body in the lumbosacral region. This is often used after spinal surgery or to treat low back pain from spinal stenosis.

6. Shoe orthotics: one of the most common areas that people use orthotics is in their shoes. Commonly, orthotics is used for people who over-pronate their feet. Pronation refers to feet that are flat and have a loss of their medial arch. If your feet are pronated in and are flat, this can lead to several problems for example knee pain and lower back pain. If your foot turns in too much, it may place stress on your lower extremities, leading to pain and difficulty walking or moving around properly.

Orthotics in your shoes helps to gently lift up your foot's arch, placing your foot and lower leg in an optimal position. A knee brace may also be considered an orthotic, especially after knee surgery. Your physical therapist can show you how to properly wear your knee brace after surgery and ensure that it is not too tight or too.

If you are having pain or any sort of functional mobility limitation your physiotherapist may use an orthotic to help correct your condition. Orthotics may be recommended by your physiotherapist to help align your body or to help support a joint or joints. This can improve your overall functional mobility by helping to support your body after injury or illness that results in loss of muscular control or joint mobility.