Foot orthotics are provided via prescription. They are specially fitted to insert into a shoe for the insole or footbed for support. Their use is designed to alleviate foot pain, and assist those experiencing issues with walking, standing, and running.
Conditions Treated:
diabetes, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and arthritis, and biomechanical foot issues.
Are orthoses or braces (usually plastic), encompassing the ankle joint and all (or part) of the foot. AFOs are externally applied and intended to control position and motion of the ankle, compensate for weakness, or correct deformities. They control the ankle directly, and can be designed to control the knee joint indirectly as well. AFOs are commonly used in the treatment of disorders affecting muscle function such as stroke, spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, polio, multiple sclerosis and peripheral neuropathy. AFOs can be used to support injured or weakened limbs, or to position a limb with contracted muscles into 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; an AFO is also known as a foot-drop brace.
An AFO is generally constructed of lightweight polypropylene-based plastic in the shape of an “L”, with the upright portion behind the calf and the lower portion running under the foot. They are attached to the calf with a strap, and are made to fit inside accommodative shoes. The unbroken “L” shape of some designs provides rigidity, while other designs (with a jointed ankle) provide different types of control.
A knee – ankle – foot orthosis (KAFO) is an orthosis that encompasses the knee, ankle and foot. Motion at all three of these lower limb areas is affected by a KAFO and can include: stopping motion, limiting motion, or assisting motion in any or all three planes of motion in a human joint: saggital, coronal, and axial. Mechanical hinges, as well as electrically controlled hinges have been used.
Conditions treated: paralysis, joint laxity or arthritis, fracture, and others.
The plastic designs are indicated for closer fit and maximum control of the foot, including supracondylar plastic KAFO, supracondylar plastic-metal KAFO, and plastic shells with metal uprights KAFO.
Stance control orthoses (SCOs) allow the patient’s knee to flex during the swing phase of gait and block flexion in stance phase for stability. A SCO’s ability to provide knee flexion during swing phase allows patients to walk with less effort and a more symmetrical gait pattern.
The E-MAG Active is calibrated specifically to each patient, and throughout the walking motion – or phase of gait. The sensor integrated into the electronics uses data to unlock the knee joint at the right point of gait.
KAFOs consist of an AFO with metal uprights, a mechanical knee joint, and two thigh bands. KAFOs can be used in quadriceps paralysis or weakness to maintain knee stability and control flexible genu valgum(knock-knees) or varum (Bow-leggedness). A KAFO also is used to limit the weight bearing of the thigh, leg, and foot.
A knee orthosis (KO) or knee brace is worn to strengthen the knee. It is worn around the knee, and works by relieving pressure from the part of the knee joint affected by diseases such as arthritis or osteoarthritis. It also supports the knee, and provides the stability needed to perform daily activities. Knee braces may also help to properly align the knee to help reduce osteoarthritis pain. If pain or instability is experienced, a knee brace may be appropriate. It is beneficial in several ways; when used properly, a knee brace may help an athlete to stay in training.
Knee braces may also help by improving symmetry, enhancing the position and movement of the knee while reducing pain so a person may remain active.
Prophylactic braces are used primarily by athletes participating in contact sports. While it is possible that this type of brace will alter the force on the knee, when worn properly it decreases the rate of injury. The majority of these braces are made of neoprene. It acts as a sleeve, providing support to the structure of the knee and reducing the knee’s ability to rotate. Functional braces are designed for use by people who have already experienced a knee injury and need support to recover from it. They are also indicated to help people who are suffering from pain associated with arthritis. They are intended to reduce the rotation of the knee and support stability. They reduce the chance of hyperextension, and increase the agility and strength of the knee. The majority of these are made of elastic. They are the least expensive of all braces and are easily found in a variety of sizes.
Rehabilitation braces are used to limit the movement of the knee in both medial and lateral directions. They are primarily used after injury or surgery to immobilize the leg. They are larger in size than other braces, due to their function.
The unloader knee brace is custom-designed of molded plastic, foam, and steel struts to stabilize your knee joint, limiting side movement of the joint. It’s designed to put three points of pressure on the thigh bone, which forces the knee to bend away from the painful area of the joint.
Conditions treated: Osteoarthritis
Info: Provides stability and relieves the pain, without compromising mobility. Support for osteoarthritis combined with ligament instability.
Prophylactic braces are used primarily by athletes participating in contact sports. While it is possible that this type of brace will alter the force on the knee, when worn properly it decreases the rate of injury. The majority of these braces are made of neoprene. It acts as a sleeve, providing support to the structure of the knee and reducing the knee’s ability to rotate.
Functional braces are designed for use by people who have already experienced a knee injury and need support to recover from it. They are also indicated to help people who are suffering from pain associated with arthritis. They are intended to reduce the rotation of the knee and support stability. They reduce the chance of hyperextension and increase the agility and strength of the knee. The majority of these are made of elastic. They are the least expensive of all braces and are easily found in a variety of sizes.
Rehabilitation braces are used to limit the movement of the knee in both medial and lateral directions. They are primarily used after injury or surgery to immobilize the leg. They are larger in size than other braces, due to their function.
Functional Electronic Stimulation (FES) is an advanced medical device that may provide immediate and dramatic improvement in walking for patients with foot drop. Interruption with the natural nerve to muscle communication between the leg and brain prohibits one’s ability to lift the foot naturally. Functional Electronic Stimulation (FES) replaces the communication by sending electrical signals to the peroneal nerve which controls movement in the ankle and foot.
Condition treated: Foot Drop
