How Orthotic Devices Can Improve Your Daily Life
Are you experiencing a sharp pain in the heel of your foot preventing you from playing with your grandchildren? How about an unsettling pain in the knee that has interrupted your love for running? Minor pains can have severe consequences and impact how we enjoy daily life, but orthotic devices can help overcome these challenges.
Orthotic devices are designed to straighten and correct irregularities in the muscular or skeletal system, helping to realign the body, decrease pain, and boost the general quality of life. Different types of orthotic devices are geared toward specific functions, and in this article, we will explore how they can improve your daily life.
What Is An Orthotic Device?
An orthotic device is a specially designed tool healthcare professionals recommend to support, align, or correct abnormal body movement. Orthotic devices are particularly useful in relieving pain and correcting movable parts of the musculoskeletal system, such as the foot, ankle, knee, wrist, spine, and hip.
Orthotic devices are recommended for people of all ages, from young adults with sports injuries to older patients with specialty mobility needs. Offering support and stability, orthotic devices address these issues while maintaining comfort.
Some of the most common orthotic devices include the following:
- A knee brace is used for knee conditions such as arthritis or ligament injuries.
- An ankle brace is used to support ankle instability.
- A wrist brace immobilizes the wrist and provides protection against strain or injury, such as carpal tunnel.
- A spinal brace supports the spine and treats conditions such as scoliosis and spinal fractures.
- A finger splint is used to immobilize the finger and help with healing.
- Shoe sole inserts provide support and comfort for patients with foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
Benefits Of Using An Orthotic Device
Orthotic devices offer the potential to improve quality of life while working to correct specific issues. Consider the following benefits of using orthotic devices.
Pain Relief
Orthotic devices are often custom-made or can be sized to fit a specific body part. By offering targeted support, they reduce the strain on an impacted area and help correct abnormal movements.
For example, foot orthotics may be prescribed for patients with patellar tendonitis. The orthotic cushions the heel and provides arch support, redistributing the pressure on the foot and reducing inflammation. In another example, a knee brace provides support to stabilize the knee joint, reducing strain on the tendon and minimizing pain.
Improved Mobility
Orthotic devices increase comfort while also promoting functionality and improving mobility. By providing stability and support, they allow you to move more efficiently and reach your full range of motion. As orthotic devices correct alignment, the motion is prioritized with reduced risk.
For example, if you are struggling with carpal tunnel syndrome, a wrist brace will help immobilize the wrist, reduce nerve compression, and allow you to move your wrist freely without pain. Rather than struggle to type at your computer or cook your favorite meal, you can enjoy improved coordination and better control of your movements.
Prevent Injury
The stability and support offered by orthotic devices also protect vulnerable joints and muscles, reducing the risk of strain and injury.
While the devices are common in preventing sports injuries, they are also very useful in everyday life. For example, spinal braces help maintain proper posture and support the lower back. If you’re struggling with a compression fracture, a spinal brace will allow you to enjoy each day with less risk of falling or causing further injury.
Enhance Performance
Orthotic devices are not only used to correct abnormalities and increase comfort while completing daily tasks, but they also improve performance. By optimizing alignment and providing strategic support, the devices work to reduce fatigue, allowing you to perform daily activities efficiently.
For example, runners often wear foot orthotics to correct overpronation. Addressing this minor issue improves their running style, reduces energy expenditure, and contributes to better speed and endurance. In another example, office workers struggling with wrist pain can wear a supportive wrist brace to alleviate pain and enhance productivity during working hours.
Using An Orthotic Device In Your Daily Life
While orthotic devices offer many benefits, they still need time to be incorporated into your life strategically. Consider the following tips to make the most of your orthotic device.
- Consult a professional to recommend the right orthotic device for your specific needs.
- Get a custom orthotic device made to fit if needed.
- Follow the instructions on how to break in and wear your device.
- Judge the fit of the device and make any changes if needed.
- Gradually increase the time using the orthotic device, acknowledging that adjusting takes time.
- Consistently use the device when performing daily tasks, especially ones that cause pain or demand extra support.
- Clean and maintain the device properly to avoid wear and tear or dirt build-up.
- Monitor the device’s comfort and ensure it does not cause pain or pressure.
Tips To Choose The Right Orthotic Device
Not all orthotic devices are created equal, and the wrong orthotics can cause more harm than good. Keep the following tips in mind when choosing the best support for you.
- Identify your specific needs and determine the primary purpose of the device.
- Consider your activities and where you’ll need the most support.
- Take your body’s conditions into consideration, such as weight, alignment, and medical history.
- Speak to a healthcare professional for advice and to assess the severity of your problem.
- Prioritize the fit of the orthotic device to be comfortable.
- Ensure that the device is made from high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting.
- Consider the compatibility of the device with your other clothing items and footwear.
- Take time to understand how the device will help your condition.
- Consider custom-made orthotics if necessary.
- Monitor and adjust the fit of the orthotic for ultimate comfort.
Orthotics from Affordable Medical Supply
Orthotic devices have the potential to improve comfort and quality of daily life in various ways. At Affordable Medical Supply, we offer a range of medical devices that offer these benefits, from inner soles for shoes to back braces and more.
Our customer-driven solutions have been crafted with you in mind, so call us at 866-484-7599 to find out how we can help.
