What is a lower leg orthosis?
An orthosis is an orthopedic aid that is attached to affected areas of the body from the outside. A lower leg orthosis is therefore a kind of support for the lower leg. It is usually needed when the leg muscles are not sufficient to bear the body weight.
In such cases, a lower leg orthosis can take over the weight of the body. Pure lower leg orthoses are usually attached below the knee and extend over the ankle. In this way they support the ankle joint, but the knee is not affected by the orthosis. At this point, the question arises as to why the muscles of the lower leg may be restricted in their function. You can get an overview of this question at
- Muscular weakness
What is the indication for a lower leg orthosis?
Indications for a lower leg orthosis can be various diseases. They are usually accompanied by muscle weakness of the lower leg. These can be pure injuries to the muscles or also to the nerves that control the muscles.
Causes include accidents, but infections or various types of cancer can also injure the structures. Due to the lack of innervation (nerve supply) or injury to the muscles, paralysis occurs and the leg can no longer support the body weight of the person affected. Lifting the foot while walking can also be a problem.
A lower leg orthosis supports these functions. Other possible diseases can be in the area of the spinal cord. If nerves that are responsible for the lower leg and foot muscles are injured there, muscle weakness can also occur.
Possible causes are incomplete paraplegia, nerve entrapment or slipped discs. Diseases can also be located in the brain, which is an indication for lower leg orthoses. Children are frequently affected, but adults can also suffer brain damage due to cerebral hemorrhages or a reduced oxygen supply, as a result of which the lower legs require additional support in the form of orthoses. Nervous diseases such as multiple sclerosis or infectious diseases such as polio (polio) can also be indications for lower leg orthoses. Other important reasons for the use of an orthosis can be found under Muscle weakness in the legs
