Mayfair Foot Care provides patients with orthotics and braces customized to the patient’s condition to provide pain relief.
Orthotics
Orthotics are devices that work to correct physical foot problems and provide pain relief. They are inserted into the patient’s shoes to reposition the foot, changing where the foot contacts the ground and where the body weight is applied. They may be prescribed for people with flat feet, heel or arch pain, bunions, or sprains. Orthotics can be helpful for patients of any age.
Although orthotics are available for sale over the counter, there are significant differences between them and custom-made orthotics. Orthotics sold in the stores are designed for issues most people face and may or not be appropriate for your feet. They may or may not offer you relief depending on the specific issue you are facing. When orthotics do not suit the patient’s condition, they can worsen it. When you shop online or in a store, you have no way of knowing in advance what the outcome will be. With custom made orthotics, you know your doctor will provide orthotics contoured to fit your feet and address your specific issues.
Braces
Braces are typically prescribed for tendonitis, arthritis, ankles problems and foot drop. They provide support and stability to control movement and assist in providing stability. Many elderly patients rely on them to provide stability when walking.
Different Types of Braces
An AFO is a device used to provide stability in the lower limb. Different types are prescribed for different foot conditions. For patients suffering from drop foot, there are five different types that may be recommended.
- Short Leg AFO with Fixed Hinge – this device maintains the foot at a 90-degree angle with leg and works well for patients with a flat foot. Recommended for individuals shorter than six feet tall.
- Dorsiflexion Assist AFO – Similar in construction to the short leg, it uses a spring hinge to elevate the foot as the patient takes a step, leading to a more normalized walking pattern.
- Plantarflexion Stop AFO – the “stop” in the name refers to the way it prevents the foot from pointing downward. The design is prescribed less often due to its size.
- Solid AFO – This style limits dorsiflexion and is most prescribed for patients who have little to no strength.
- Posterior Leaf Spring AFO – commonly used, these bulkier styles provide knee support in addition to drop foot relief.
Wearing the right type of shoes and socks (knee-high to prevent friction) with your brace is important to getting the best outcome. Your physician may also recommend wearing arch supports with your brace. Each individual situation is unique and having a customized brace is the best way to ensure your device is designed to solve your specific problem.
Children can also benefit from wearing braces when they have difficulty walking and running without tripping. If their feet turn inward, the brace can correct the condition and lead to proper growth and development.
Mayfair Foot Care is here to provide a professional evaluation and provide the ideal orthotics or brace to suit your condition.