The word orthotics applies to products from shoe insoles you purchase at the drugstore to a custom built leg brace reaching from your hip to the sole of your foot. It helps to know a little more about what is behind each type of product.
The Science Behind the Support
Orthotics, broadly speaking, are devices designed to support someone with muscle, joint or limb weakness. That weakness can come from a chronic condition like Muscular Dystrophy, injury or overuse, an event like a stroke or having surgery. Products are also categorized by the joint or limb they support and by the condition they address.
The device might be helping you to continue to improve your mobility through rehabilitation, or it may help to compensate for loss of mobility. It may be temporary or long-term. And it might be designed just for you or be a proven product selected to match your needs.
Newer devices are utilizing microprocessors and unique materials to deliver better outcomes, so what is best for you may have changed as new technology is introduced.
Personalized Orthoses
Some orthoses are custom-made for you. These are typically a leg or ankle brace that your Doctor prescribed. These devices use components like metal joints, thermoplastic materials, or other elements that combine to create a tailored solution. To fit these products, you visit an Orthotist who will take measurements or a cast and fabricate a brace. In some cases, the Orthotist will create a trial orthoses to be sure the device fits appropriately before creating a final product.
Otto Bock supplies many of the raw components that the Orthotist will use. Like other medical professionals, a certified Orthotist has completed specialized training that focuses on improving mobility and independence.
A Universe of Options
There are dozens of manufacturers serving this billion-dollar industry and the options can be overwhelming. Asking your clinician some questions can help clarify your path, as can other types of research. Keep in mind that even simple braces are medical devices and be sure to consult the appropriate healthcare provider. Some of the questions that are important to keep in mind are:
- What is the product designed to do?
- How do I need to put it on?
- How should I clean it?
- How often do I need to wear it?
- How long will I have to wear it?
- What is it made of? (Some products may have latex which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive patients.)
Ultimately, the details will help you maximize the benefits of your orthosis.
Copyright by Ottobock © 2012
