Image Credit: 3DPrint.com
Article Authors: Gordon Slater| Tandose Sambo
“Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos – the trees, the clouds, everything.” - Thich Nhat Hanh
Orthopaedic care often involves the utilization of special foot supports, in the process of either alleviating or healing your current conditions. Orthotics are special shoe or heel inserts that are prescribed to support your feet during your treatment. As custom made support mechanisms, the orthotic is one of those things that must be carefully designed to fit your body and its needs.
Orthotics are prescribed for the treatment of a variety of conditions that will be outlined below. Predominantly, they are incorporated into treatments for foot, leg or back problems. Often incorporated into treatment plans as a means to alleviate pain and discomfort, your orthopaedic surgeon will often prescribe an orthotic for conditions such as [1]:
correcting foot deformities
helping the foot or ankle function better
providing support to the ankle
reducing the risks for further injuries
While orthotics often include more than just foot inserts, most people are familiar with that perspective of the orthotic realm. For patients with more serious foot conditions, customized shoe or heel inserts have to be made specifically for the patient’s feet. Custom orthotics are often prescribed once the off the shelf orthotics aren’t effective enough for the treatment desired.
Orthopaedic Consultations
Orthotic devices are often prescribed after your podiatrist goes through the process of examining your feet, and investigating the types of symptoms that you are experiencing. A detailed history of your medical history will be collated, in order to ensure that the appropriate treatment plan is created. The medical examination will be one that will assess your feet for any deformities, and pinpoint the sites of pain.
A series of exercises will also be conducted, in order to identify your feet and ankle positions as you undergo the process of applying loads to them. The pressure distribution of your feet will be determined via imaging technology, and from this data, your orthopaedic surgeon will then be able to determine how to design your orthotic devices.
For further details your orthopaedic surgeons will also incorporate scans of your feet via technology such as X-rays or an MRI scan. From an external perspective, your feet can only indicate so much, and via the internal checks any soft tissue damage can be determined. From the collective data, the final orthotic device can then be created.
Orthotic Treatment For Orthopaedic Conditions
There are a variety of orthopaedic conditions that are treated via orthopaedic custom orthotics. These conditions include:
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that can cause discomfort in the feet. As the gait changes, discomfort in the foot and ankles can result. What orthotic devices will do is provide additional support to the treatment of the condition. With advances in platelet rich plasma technologies, while the joints are healing, the orthotic will alleviate the pain that is associated with the weakened joints.
Bunions. Bunions are painful foot protrusions that do have the ability to cause discomfort during the process of wearing shoes, and also in additional motion. Pre-surgery, orthotics combined with a wide toe box are often incorporated into the shoes, in order to reduce pressure on the big toe.
This list is not an exhaustive one, just an example of the scope of orthopaedic treatment. Athletes who want to protect their bodies during sporting activities will also incorporate custom orthotics into their preventative strategy.
Treatment Plan with Orthotics
As a part of a preventative care regime, orthotics are often prescribed along with additional treatments such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs. As corrective treatments, orthotics really act as braces that the body will then adapt to. Alignment and arch support conditions are almost always treatable with orthotics before surgical treatment will be required. Surgery, as an invasive method, is always the treatment of last resort.
Types of Orthotic Treatment
Orthotic devices are very versatile devices. With treatments that can treat spinal, arm and foot and ankle conditions, the prescription for the desired needs is one that will be taken care of. With advancing technology, it is now possible to 3-D print custom orthotics. With the dimensions of the patient known, it will be possible for the orthotic to be printed to fit their requirements.
The material rigidity is designed based on the intention of healing. In some instances rigid materials such as carbon fiber or plastic will be utilized to make the orthotic. Rigid orthotics are created to provide support. In some instances, the orthotic may be made from a softer silicone infused orthotic that provides cushioning support.
Orthotic Design:
While foot inserts are classified as foot orthotics, they are the simplest form of orthotic that exists. They are usually utilized to treat pain in the feet, and provide cushioning support. They are available in a multitude of styles including bunion pads and metatarsal pads.
For escalating pain induced by persistent conditions such as arthritis and flat feet, doctors usually prescribe foot inlays, arch supports and insole. These more advanced orthotics alleviate pain, and optimize patient joint function and gait.
Once the orthotic is designed, the patient will experience an adjustment period, much like when new shoes are acquired. It takes time for the body to adjust to the new changes. Orthotics are continuously adjusted, in order to ensure that they are fitting the patient.
Custom orthotics are one of the best ways to keep your feet in great condition if you are experiencing any of the ailments that they are suitable for treating. Talk to your orthopaedic surgeon today, to determine if you should incorporate them into your treatment plan.
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