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 Orthotics is a section within the medical field concerned with the design, manufacture and application of orthoses. An orthosis or orthotic is an orthopedic device which support or correct the function of a limb or the torso.
An orthopaedic brace, "appliance", orthotic, or simply brace is an orthopaedic device used to control and/or guide and/or limit and/or immobilize an extremity, joint or body segment for a given reason; to restrict movement in a given direction; to assist movement more generally; to reduce weight bearing forces for a particular mobility purpose; to help with rehabilitation from fractures after the removal of a medical cast; or to otherwise correct the shape and/or function of the body to provide easier movement capability and/or reduce pain.
Orthotics combines disciplines of study within the health and physical sciences, mathematics and engineering ie materials engineering, gait analysis, anatomy and physiology, patho-physiology, biomechanics, and psychology contribute to the work done by orthotists, the professionals engaged in the field of orthotics. Individuals who benefit from an orthosis have sustained a physical impairment such as a stroke, spinal cord injury, or a congenital abnormality such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy. Corrective shoe inserts are often referred to as orthotics. Pedorthics and Certified Pedorthic Practitioners called Pedorthists are specialists in orthotics that deal with foot orthotics.
An orthotist is a clinician involved with assessment and/or evaluation, design, fabrication of an orthosis or orthoses. A brace of this type is intended to mechanically compensate for a pathological condition, so orthotists are inherently required to be regulated by a certifying body.
Foot orthotics are orthopaedic devices that are used to modify and improve foot function by allowing the muscles, tendons and bones of the feet and lower legs to function at their highest potential.
Orthotics can decrease pain, not only in the foot, but in other parts of the body such as the knee, hip and lower back. They can also increase stability in an unstable joint, prevent a deformed foot from developing additional problems, and improve overall quality of life.
 What are orthotics?
Podiatrists prescribe and construct foot orthotics. These are specially designed devices that are worn inside the shoe to control abnormal foot function and/or accommodate painful areas of the foot. Properly designed foot orthotics may compensate for impaired foot function, by controlling abnormal motion across the joints of the foot. This may result in dramatic improvement in foot symptoms. Functional foot orthotics are usually made from rigid materials, especially plastics and carbon-fiber composites. They are constructed upon a plaster impression of the feet, and modified based on the podiatrist's evaluation of your problem. They are normally quite comfortable, and do not feel hard or uncomfortable in the shoe. Rigid orthotics normally last for years, additions such as top covers and extensions may require periodic replacement. Some patients, for example the very elderly, may not tolerate rigid functional orthotics. Under these circumstances, the podiatrist will prescribe an orthotic made from softer materials with special accommodations for painful areas. Many different materials can be utilized, such as rubber, cork, leather, and soft synthetic plastics. The podiatrist is in the unique position of being able to evaluate, diagnose, and treat your foot or leg problems. If orthotics are indicated, he or she can utilize the most advanced methods of construction.
Orthotics that are prescribed by the podiatrist and custom made for your feet, should not be confused with over the counter arch supports. These may help the occasional patient with minor arch discomfort, but they frequently fail because they do not properly control foot function and/or do not properly fit the patient's feet. The consumer should beware of individuals with no or inadequate training, who hold themselves out as experts on foot problems and orthotics. Only the podiatrist or medical doctor can diagnose foot problems and offer alternative treatment plans. If complications develop, the podiatrist is there to evaluate and treat those. He or she can offer the patient alternative treatments, be they medical, orthopedic, or surgical.
 What are Functional Posted Foot Orthotics?
Unlike simple arch supports, functional posted orthotics control abnormal position and movement of the foot. While standing or walking the heel and midfoot are held in a more stable position. This allows the foot to function more efficiently during weight-bearing and propulsion. This control is often accomplished by limiting abnormal pronation of the foot. Pronation is a complex movement involving eversion (turning out) of the heel and forefoot. There is a corresponding internal rotation (turning in) of the lower leg, and flattening of the arch. Ligaments become strained, and muscles over work attempting to pull the foot into a more stable position. By controlling abnormal pronation, functional orthotics help prevent some of the complications of the chronically unstable foot. Functional orthotics are usually (but not always) made from rigid plastic materials. There may be various additions, top covers, and extensions, depending on the patient's need. They are very comfortable, as they are custom made from plaster impressions. The posts on a functional orthotic are wedges at the heel and midfoot, which hold those structures in a proper angular relationship to each other and the leg. Functional posted orthotics should only be prescribed by a properly trained practitioner after a thorough biomechanical examination.
 Will orthotics correct my foot problem?
Orthotics will control the position and motion of your foot. This may prevent the development of pain and disability, and the development of additional deformity. Orthotics will not change the underlying structure of the adult foot. If they are not worn, abnormal function will immediately return. In a sense they are analagous to dentures, if you remove then you can no longer properly chew your food.
Will orthotics fit in all my shoes?
The short answer is no. Some shoes will not fit properly with an orthotic inside. These are usually dressy shoes with a shallow heel counter (i.e the rear part of the shoe that wraps around the heel). Women have more fitting problems than men, due to shoe fashion. You can find dress shoes that nicely fit an orthotic, but choices will be more limited. There are special dress shoe orthotics that fit more easily into fashionable shoes. Discuss with your podiatrist if these are suitable for you.
See more on Orthotics, Foot Orthotics In Durham, Ontario At Santé Group Healthcare.
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