How does an orthosis work?

An orthosis for the foot has a supporting function in most cases. For this purpose, the injured or diseased part of the foot is enclosed in the orthosis, and the orthosis is attached to the lower leg and foot above and below it. In this way the force is no longer transferred to the injured part of the foot.

Instead, the orthosis bears this load. Another variant are orthoses that are intended to stabilize the foot. Their shape allows only certain movements.

When movements are made in other directions, the foot is stopped by the orthosis. This is the case with the aircast splint, for example, which is used after torn ligaments. Lateral movements of the foot are prevented because the structures required for this must first heal again.

Stretching and tightening the foot is possible, however. In the broadest sense, insoles can also be called orthoses for the feet. They are placed in the shoe and stabilize the arch of the foot from the sole.

In many cases, the foot orthosis not only stabilizes the arch of the foot but also corrects it and thus the entire leg axis. Orthoses for the foot, which also surround the lower leg, are both stabilizing and correcting. Especially for children who have defective positions in the ankle joints, such orthoses can be specially adapted to the malformation. Gradually, the orthosis is modified so that it brings the foot into a more favorable position within months to years. This can prevent or at least reduce gait problems.

Should I also wear the orthosis at night?

Whether an orthosis must also be worn at night depends on its function. Stabilizing orthoses and those designed to correct malpositions must generally be worn 23 to 24 hours a day. Especially at the beginning after an injury or operation, the foot is not yet stable enough.

For this reason, an orthosis is initially fitted. Once the injured structures have healed sufficiently, the orthosis can be removed at night. It is then gradually required only when the foot is under stress and during unusual movements. If you wear an orthosis that improves gait pattern, for example, you usually do not need to put it on until you stand up. The orthosis is not required at night.