What is an ankle orthosis?
An ankle joint orthosis is a medical device that supports stability in the joint between the lower leg and foot. It is most often needed after the foot has been bent and the ligaments have been injured, so that the orthosis can heal when worn. An ankle joint orthosis usually consists of two plastic shells that surround the joint from the outside, as well as various ligaments for individual fitting.
Why do you need an ankle orthosis?
Ultimately, the ankle joints have to absorb the entire body weight with every step and are therefore exposed to a great deal of stress. A complex apparatus of vision, ligaments and muscles enables the joint to remain stable while providing the required mobility and flexibility. An ankle joint orthosis is needed above all when an injury causes damage to these structures and impairs joint stability.
A common indication for the orthosis is therefore when you twist your foot during sports or everyday life. This often causes the lateral ligaments of the ankle joint to be overstretched, which corresponds to a sprain. In the case of more serious injuries, the ligaments may even tear or the bone may break.
Depending on the extent of the injury and the structures involved, treatment with an ankle joint orthosis alone may be indicated or surgery may be necessary first. In most cases, however, an orthosis is also prescribed after surgery for further treatment. This prevents the foot from twisting again, thus ensuring that the damaged structures can heal.
The ankle joint is kept stable by various ligaments, which can tear in the event of an injury. If you step on the outer edge of the foot and bend inwards, the ligaments on the outside of the joint are usually affected, which pull from the outer ankle to the tarsal bones. On the other hand, the ligaments that run from the inner ankle to the tarsal bone can tear if the reverse course of the injury is less common, i.e. if the foot is bent outwards.
In both cases, if necessary, sole immobilization and treatment with an ankle joint orthosis can be performed. This allows the ligament structures to grow together again. In some cases, however, it may be necessary to suture the ligaments together first. An ankle joint orthosis must then usually still be worn until the ligaments have healed and the joint is fully resilient again.