Foot Problems and Orthotics
Ankle foot orthotics for foot problems such as ankle injuries and foot drop is the main focus of this site, along with suggestions for appropriate orthotic shoes.
Whatever the foot problem - ankle injury, Achilles tendonitis, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, severe flat foot, foot drop, etc. – orthotics for the ankle and foot provide much-needed support and make a world of difference for person trying to cope with a foot problem that affects their comfort level or mobility.
A great variety of prefabricated ankle foot orthotics of excellent quality are available in today’s market, and play an important role in the rehabilitation of ankle and foot injuries. These new orthotics reduce the need for extremely expensive custom made orthotic devices that can take a long time to be manufactured and correctly fitted. Over the counter orthotics make it so much easier for people with ankle and foot problems to quickly get the help they need and resume their daily activities. The relief and confidence this offers the person struggling with mobility problems cannot be overestimated.
Ossur Rebound Hinged Ankle Brace
An outstanding leader in the industry of orthotics is the Ossur company. Whether orthoses for the ankle and foot, prosthetics, braces and supports, or compression therapies, you will find that AFO products by Ossur are designed with the most cutting edge technology. Ossur’s uplifting slogan is “Life without Limitations, ” and their outstanding products certainly advance that vision.
Ossur maintains a dynamic relationship with both the medical profession and the users of their products in order to stay at the pinnacle of the non-invasive orthopaedics industry. The result is that the excellent quality of Ossur products is unquestioned. Please click here for more information on what this award winning company has to offer.
Ankle injuries are the most common type of foot problem and can happen to anyone. While ankle injuries are most often associated with sports, the fact is that ankle sprains can happen under the most unexpected of circumstances. For instance, a person of any age or weight can suddenly suffer an ankle sprain simply by walking on an uneven surface. In fact, it is estimated that every day in the United States, 25,000 people will experience an ankle sprain, with leads to another statistic: each year more than 1 million people wind up in a hospital emergency room due to trauma to their ankles. While the most common injuries to ankles involve sprains and fractures, many people end up with a diagnosis of a torn or strained tendon. Ankle sprains may also involve ligament injuries. Wearing an orthotic device is often recommended as part of the treatment for ankle injuries.
Although our feet are designed to withstand a great deal of stress, many people suffer from tendonitis of the foot, including Achilles tendonitis. A stressed Achilles tendon can result in debilitating heel pain that can take a long time to heal. Athletes, especially runners and jumpers, are prone to weakened tendons in the foot as they go past the age of 40.
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the tissue named plantar fascia that extends from heel to the front of the bottom of the foot. This is another condition experienced mainly by persons over the age of 40. The causes of plantar fasciitis are not always indentifiable, but arthritis in the foot is associated with this painful condition.
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a progressive joint disease characterized by the breakdown and inflammation of cartilage, the connective tissue that surrounds the joints between bones. Osteoarthritis of the ankle most often is the result of an ankle injury that may have occurred many years before. Likewise, osteoarthritis of the foot can result from trauma or an injury, but can also be caused by abnormal foot structure, such as flat feet or high arches. Orthotic shoe inserts which provide extra cushion and support for the feet are often recommended for persons dealing with the pain of osteoarthritis.
These above described conditions often call for the use of an orthosis for the foot or for orthotic shoe inserts. While in severe cases, or cases with a very particular need, a custom orthotic device may be prescribed by your doctor, over the counter or prefabricated orthoses are gaining in usage. This is due to cutting edge advancements in design by makers of modern orthopedic products.
An orthosis that provides help with a spectrum of foot problems is the DORSI-LITE foot brace.
For ankle injury, just click the photo above or see this site’s page about this excellent hinged ankle brace by Ossur.
For light to moderate foot-drop, consider this innovative orthosis from Ossur, called Foot-Up.
Ankle foot orthotics are the solution for many foot problems and injuries.