Orthoses – a good support by: Apple Osborne

* Orthotics is a medical field that deals with the application and manufacturing of orthoses. * Orthotics is derived from the greek word “ortho” that means “to straighten”, thus it is related to the field of orthopedics. Orthoses are designed to facilitate mobilization and to maximize the patient’s quality of life. * Orthoses are external appliance that provides support, prevents or corrects deformities and improves function. Orthoses include braces, splints, collars, corsets, or supports that are designed and fitted by an orthotist or the podiatrist.

Orthoses include: - braces - splints - collars - corsets - supports that are designed and fitted by an orthotist or the podiatrist

Although there are many ready made orthotic devices available, you may also want to consider a custom made orthotic device that are specifically designed to fit your specific needs. This appliance can be mad This appliance can be made out of a wide array of materials like cloth, plaster, wood, metal, and plastic. However, some orthotic devices which are made out of these materials deform through time so orthotists developed orthoses made out of lightweight thermoplastic materials, they can adapt as temperature changes thus it lasts longer.

Having a durable device is very important especially if the wearer has an active lifestyle like athletes, or those people whose job requires long hours of standing. In addition to learning how to apply and remove the orthosis, rehabilitation patients must learn how to properly care for the skin that comes in contact with the appliance.

Skin problems or pressure ulcers may develop if the device is applied too tightly or too loosely, or if it is adjusted improperly. The doctor or the nurse may instruct the patient to clean and inspect the skin daily, to make sure the appliance fit snugly without being too tight, to check the appliance’s padding distributes pressure evenly, and to wear a cotton garment without seams between the orthosis and the skin.

IMPORTANT: If you would like to learn more about your foot problem,  please visit  http://www.orthotech.ca/home.htm