2006-11-24 07:45:55 · 5 answers · asked by roberts_briggs 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Orthotics is the general term used to describe any device that is used to control abnormal foot function. A common example would be shoe inserts to support a fallen arch or correct a chronic foot strike problem.
2006-11-24 07:49:14 · answer #1 · answered by kathy_is_a_nurse 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Orthotics is the science of evaluating, fabricating, and fitting supportive-corrective devices on patients
2006-11-24 15:49:38 · answer #2 · answered by qurm_kim 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prosthetists and orthotists are professionals who provide care for disabled people. The prosthetist is responsible for providing artificial limbs (prostheses) to patients who have all or part of a natural limb missing. The orthotist provides supportive braces and splints (orthoses) to patients with disabling conditions of the limb or spine.
Both prosthetists and orthotists deal with patients of all ages, they must therefore, be good at dealing with people in a tactful and sympathetic way. They have to take measurements and sometimes make plaster casts. They must then decide whether a ready-made piece of equipment is suitable, or whether it is necessary to produce a specification from which a prosthesis or orthosis can be made.
When the device is ready, it must be fitted and adjusted and the patient shown how it works. This may mean being very understanding and sympathetic, as the patient may feel embarrassed. Patients, particularly children, may be seen regularly over a period of time, giving the prosthetist or orthotist time to get to know them and establish a relationship.
Prosthetists and orthotists must be practical people who enjoy adjusting, fitting and modifying equipment and appliances. The actual manufacture of appliances is not normally undertaken by prosthetists or orthotists, but they must understand the mechanics and methods of manufacture.
2006-11-24 15:55:09 · answer #3 · answered by Cister 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are custom made support for your feet; a mold has to be made of each foot, and sent off so an orthotic support can be made to fit just you. They are useful for fallen arches, backache, hipache, that sort of thing.
Very expensive. But very good.
2006-11-25 15:22:24 · answer #4 · answered by marie m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
orthotics are put in your shoes to help if you have flat feet or walk funny. they are like an insole, and your foot gets molded so they fit exactly to your shape.
2006-11-24 16:08:06 · answer #5 · answered by Lindsay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋