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Orthoses are devices that are designed to re align and adjust for mechanical misalignments. Insoles may be purchased over the counter these may help with some problems but often we need to make custom orthotics. This is done by making an impression of the foot called a cast. This is taken in a neutral position and then using this and measurements video gait analysis and FootScan an orthotic will be prescribed. There are several types of orthotics from web orthotics sports orthotics semi flex orthotics and even Slimline orthotics, just to name a few. The finished orthotic is then placed in the patient's shoe and helps keep the foot in proper alignment. Depending upon the patient's needs, the orthotic may have padding to cushion the foot against the weight of the body.
Functional orthoses incorporate special wedges to adjust the heel or forefoot, correcting defects in the arch that cause poor shock absorption, such as excessive pronation (flattening of the arch) or supination (an arch that is too high).Weight-dispersive or accommodative orthotics typically feature padding designed to relieve pain caused by excessive pressure on the metatarsal heads. Other accommodative orthotics are designed to treat pain and pressure on the sesamoid bones, collapsed tarsal bones, sores and chronically inflamed toes. Supportive orthotics are arch supports usually prescribed to treat problems of the plantar arch. Early childhood orthotics are special devices designed to correct biomechanical walking problems identified in young children. They include splints, gait plates and night bars - devices used to hold a child's feet and legs at a proper angle while sleeping, thus promoting corrective adjustment for excessive toe-in or toe-out walking.
To explain how orthoses function, it is important to understand the mechanics of walking. Each step, the vertical axis of the heel ideally should land almost perpendicular to the ground, with a slight inclination of only a few degrees toward the outside of the heel. From there, the weight is distributed progressively toward the lateral (outside) side of the foot. As the little (or fifth) toe starts to touch the ground, the arch of the foot should flatten slightly, shifting the body's weight toward the medial (inside) side of the foot. The heel then should start to lift off the ground, shifting the weight to the medial forefoot, principally the ball of the foot and the first.
This coordinated motion occurs in much less time that it takes to describe. It is, nevertheless, a complex process in which many things can go wrong. If a structural problem is present, the foot can collapse under the body's weight. Runners in particular exert much greater forces on their feet than those generated by simple walking. This can lead to more severe injuries, such as sprained ankles, shin splints and even fractures.
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Cheap over thc counter arch supports |
A few different Custom Orthotics
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All Rights Reserved.
Last updated 02-Dec-2007
All information provided on this Web site is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for medical diagnosis, prognosis or treatment for any specific condition or individual.