Orthotist: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Orthotists are professionals in the field of health care. They are concerned with the diagnosis and the treatment of patients with problems in physical functioning due to diseases or disability. They look after patients that need help with their independence in mobility and hence, provide them with external devices. These devices could back braces, neck collars, calipers or splint. They assess, diagnose and provide the patients with the devices that the patient need. They are also concerned with the manufacturing, design and management of these devices. If a person is interested in the human body, its mobility and functioning and the musculoskeletal system, then the career of orthotist may be the one that will suit their requirements. Other skills that are also of importance are good technical and practical skills, creativity to design so that desired and required devices could be made and good problem solving skills. While interacting with patients, interpersonal skills like good communication and sensitivity also come into play. Skills in the field of IT and computer technology might also prove beneficial to people pursuing to be orthotists.

Orthotists are concerned with the external devices which are known as orthotics and is a separate branch of study in medical field. Orthotics comprises the study of anatomy and physiology, along with biomechanics, pathophysiology and bio engineering and engineering. An orthotists job involves aiding the patients with bodily movement, correcting any deformities they might have, preventing these deformities from progressing, and relieving any physical pain that is causing discomfort to the patient. These goals are achieved by attaching orthosis to an existing body part. Orthosis are made from various materials like thermoplastics, elastic, EVA, carbon fiber, metals and fabric. For patients suffering from severe and long-term conditions, customized orthoses are made that suit their individual needs. Orthoses are also made for injuries like a sprained ankle; these orthoses may be pre-manufactured to and may not require specific design and size. One can simply slide these orthoses on or wrap then around in order to cover the injured area. To hold it tightly, Velcro straps are also fitted. Since the patients using orthoses put these into use for long terms, it is necessary that these devices are made to fit them correctly so as to prove beneficial to the condition of the patient.

Before the orthoses are attached to a person’s body, an orthotist will assess and examine the condition of the patient. This is done during the consultation and various aspects of the person’s condition are discussed, sometimes involving physiotherapists as well to work out a decision that works best. After that, thorough measurements of the patient are taken so that even the minute details are recorded in order to create a well-fitted orthosis. Initially, plastics used to be the material of choice for the construction. Later on, the use of plaster of Paris to make moulds of the body part in question was adopted, a method which is still used widely. In the modern age, machines such as CAD/CAM and CNC are involved. 3D printing is also popular in the industry. The manufacturing step requires the orthotist working together with a technician to construct the final product. In further consultations, the device is fitted onto the body of the patient and the patient is fully educated of the device’s use and removal. It is important for the patient to keep up with the follow-up appointments with the orthotist so as to ensure that he/she is doing alright with their device and that it is functioning in a proper way and providing comfort. Adjustments or repairs are carried out as, if and when required throughout the duration of the treatment.

If the following symptoms are noticed in someone or faced by a person, then there is a high probability that the person may need the help of orthosis.

• Pain in the foot while walking and standing Tightening, tearing and straining of muscles on a frequent basis
  • Pain in the knees
  • Pain in the back
  • Pain in the neck
  • Pain in the hip
  • Pain in the heels
  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Shin splints
  • Bunions
  • Morton’s Neuroma
  • Calluses and corns
  • Patella femoral syndrome

Even after the following symptoms appear, it is not mandatory for a person to have a condition wherein orthosis are required. Therefore, to be sure, the tests for the following must be done.

• An injury in the spinal cord that happened in the past

  Stroke

• Plantar fasciitis
• Deformities in the spine
• Soft issue inflammatory problems

  Arthritis

• Paralysis

  Fracture injury

• Sciatic nerve

Inter digital neuroma

A check for above conditions should be conducted. If the person does not have any of the above conditions, then they are not eligible for and do not require orthosis.

Orthosis are extremely beneficial for people who use them for their mobility. But they have their own set of side effects. It has been reported that orthosis are problematic for some people as they cause discomfort by overheating the region of the body are applied to. Another is that they may not provide such good balance that is expected of them. Some patients choose to stop and end the use of orthosis as it makes it unable for them to stand. Another set of patients report the increase in pain by the use of these devices. There have been many cases where orthosis have not been very beneficial to patients and in such cases people have chosen to do without these devices.

The post treatment guidelines include regular follow-up visits to the orthotist so that proper care can be taken. Along with that, in case of discomfort or damage to the orthosis, the orthotist should be made to look into it to provide with the best treatment.

There is not a specified amount of time that it takes for orthosis to treat a person’s condition. It depends on the severity and type of the diseases. Some patients have to wear orthoses for just a few weeks or months. Some have to wear them for years. Others with severe conditions may have to wear it for a life time. It all depends on the disability and the amount of discomfort it causes. These are the two factors that decide the time for which a patient will have to use orthosis and stick to the treatment.

The cost of the orthosis depends on the disability, the severity of it and the type of device that has to be used for the treatment. In India, orthosis are commonly available for the treatment of ‘flat feet’. These orthosis range from INR 500 to INR 1,000.

The results of the treatment may or may not be permanent. Even in the cases where the results are permanent, it is possible as long as the treatment goes on as it should and no problems occur or progress during the term of the treatment. In some cases, the treatment goes on for the entire life time of a person.

In some patients with severe disabilities, the only alternative remains, is that of surgery. But it is a less opted-for treatment and most people often go with choosing orthosis for the treatment of their conditions. The use of orthosis can be by people of all ages. Various types of orthosis are made for various disabilities. Children, adults and old people, all of them can use them. Proper care should be taken when using them so as to let these devices serve the person with the best of their ability.