Orthotic devices

1. Orthotic devices (Wikipedia link) are devices, specially designed to improve characteristics of the skeletal system. Feet orthoses often used to guide or limit joint generally assist movement and reduce weight bearing forces. Feet orthoses combine results of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics and engineering studies. Foot orthoses (commonly called "orthotics") are devices inserted into shoes to provide support for the foot by redistributing ground reaction forces acting on the foot joints while standing, walking or running. You can buy orthotics at sporting goods store to treat various conditions of the ankle and often very effective in relieving common problems with feet pain. Custom orthoses are considerably more expensive than off-the-shelf devices, they are custom-molded and individually designed shoe insert or ankle brace, they last much longer and provide more support or correction. Foot orthotics are useful for aligning and supporting the foot; preventing, correcting or accommodating foot deformities; improving the overall function of the foot or ankle (orthotics for flat feet). An ankle-foot brace can help relieve the pain of rheumatoid arthritis in the heel or ankle. Some of the foot and lower limb problems that can be successfully treated in the long term with orthoses include tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and recurrent stress fractures. Orthotic insoles and inserts are made by following a tracing of the extremity with measurements to assist in creating a well-fitted device. Orthotics are made from carbon fiber and thermoplastics, metals

2. and fabric, and most often – of the combination of them. If health problems are not very serious, after some consultations you may buy foot orthotics at a local retailer; others are more specific and require to be individually made. Absorbing shock as the body's weight shifts and distributing the weight throughout the entire foot is very important feature of the foot. When the arch does not flatten (high arch, or a cavus foot), it. it absorbs shock poorly and instead of spreading the weight throughout the entire foot, it falls only on the heel and the base of the toes. With a cavus foot the weight falls only on the heel and the base of the toes, increasing stress on the foot and up the leg to other joints. Orthotics allows the entire foot to support the weight of the body, extra cushioning also reduces the force reaching the foot. A different problem results when the arch flattens too much - the weight distribution is too far on the medial side, a flatfoot is unstable and cannot maintain a proper arch. An orthotic with an increased arch can be prescribed to solve the problem, the heel of the orthotic can be slanted to shift the weight more toward the center of the heel.