This article explains the meaning of the medical terms orthosis, orthoses and orthotics. An orthosis is defined as a orthopaedic appliance or device used to support, align or correct any deformities in the body or to improve the function of parts of the body. The plural of orthosis is orthoses. The word Ortho is Greek for to correct. Orthoses are also referred to as braces and splints. However, orthoses for the foot are often called orthotics or orthotic insoles. Here are some examples of various types of orthoses available:
Cervical Orthosis: a hard plastic device that encircles the neck and supports the chin and the back of the head, making sure it aligns with the spine. AFO: Ankle Foot Orthosis. This is a corrective device for the lower limb that encapsulates the foot and ankle usually ends above the knee. In case of weakness the ankle and foot this device helps you master your everyday activities. The risk of falling or tripping is much reduced and one can walk safely. KAFO: a knee Ankle Foot Orthosis. This device extends from above the knee to the ankle and foot. LSO or Lumbo-sacral Orthosis is a spinal corrective device that encircles the body in the lower back region. An orthotist is an allied health professional who is concerned with the design, development, fitting and manufacturing of orthoses. Foot orthotics are prescribed by a podiatrist and manufactured from a cast (or foot print) by a laboratory. Orthotic therapy is prescribed by podiatrists to help with foot and leg alignment and in turn to aid in the treatment of common foot complaints such as Pes Planus, Plantar Fasciitis, Metatarsalgia, Shin splints and in some cases lower back pain. Many athletes use foot orthotics to help them perform better and achieve optimal biomechanics during running and sports. Young children who are flat-footed also may need an orthosis prescription to help them develop a natural foot arch. They can help with typical conditions such as Sever's Disease. Your shoes need to compliment the orthotics to work as one single unit. Some features of shoes that accommodate orthotics are removable footbeds or innersoles. Enough depth around the heel area. The Gait cycle is your natural Movement Pattern. At the end of the swing phase, the foot is dynamically guided back by the orthotics so that you can once again step comfortably with your heel at the start of the standing phase. Foot orthoses are an important part of the medical treatment offered by podiatrists and sometimes chiropodists. Podiatrists are qualified at providing quality foot orthoses to the public. Orthopaedic surgeons perform operations on the foot, for exammple the removal of bunions or hallux abducto valgus and other foot disorders. The definition of a foot orthosis is a medical device to support and align the foot to prevent or correct foot deformities or to improve the functions of the foot and lower extremity. Custom made devices are manufactured to a prescription from casts taken when the foot is held in a corrected position. Fitting and breaking in of orthotics. Orthotic devices do require fitting into the footwear through the consultation process. There is usually a breaking in process for any new orthotic over a number of weeks.