Orthotic devices

Orthotic devices (by Greek: "to straighten") are devices helping to perform structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal system Wiki. Foot orthotics may be used to: guide, control, limit joint for a particular reason, restrict movement in a given direction, assist movement generally, reduce weight bearing forces for a particular purpose. Foot orthotics are complex devices combined knowledge of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics and engineering.

Orthotics are made by following a tracing of the extremity with measurements to assist in creating a well-fitted device. Orthotic devices are made from carbon fibre and thermoplastics, metals and fabric, and most often – of the combination of them. If health problems are not very serious, after some consultations you may buy orthotic devices at a local retailer; others are more specific and require to be individually made.

One of the foot's main functions is to absorb shock as the body's weight shifts with each step. It does this through a complex process in which the arch of the foot flattens slightly. 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. Flatfeet cannot maintain a proper arch, over time, the weight of the body on an unstable foot can cause the bones of the foot to become misaligned, it can lead to the development of bunions, hammertoes, and other foot deformities. 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.

Orthotic devices for foots are inserted into shoes for the foot support, easing pain, redistributing reaction forces and help foot joints while walking, running and standing. 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.

Orthotic inserts and insoles often used for:
- aligning and supporting the ankle;
- improving the performance of the foot;
- correcting feet deformities.

A wedge inserted into the inner side of the sole of a shoe helps to support a flatfoot, thus reducing the risk of tendinitis. 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.

Orthotics are often used by athletes to allow athletes to be able to maximally participate in their sport and perhaps heal and prevent further injury. For children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis orthotics may also reduce foot pain. Proper footwear is an important part of an overall treatment program for people with diabetes, even for those in the earliest stages of the disease.