Various foot injuries and the consequences of operations on this part of the foot are associated with the need for temporary fixation of bones, cartilage tissues, ligaments and muscles in a certain position. The ankle for the ankle joint is designed for this purpose, so sometimes it is also called a caliper (in English translation - support), a retainer or bandage. Such adaptations are made of various materials and can serve as immobilization of the limb site, and reduce the load on it, depending on the purpose of therapy.
Rigid orthosis on the ankle
The presented kind of a support is made with dense inserts from plastic and carries out functions of the tire, concerns to treatment-and-rehabilitation orthopedic accessories. It is designed in such a way as to completely repeat the shape of the foot and securely fix it in the chosen position.
As a rule, a plastic orthosis on the ankle joint is recommended to be worn after an ankle fracture, severe injuries to the part of the leg under consideration, ruptures or sprains of the ligaments. Also indications for the use of this support are the following pathologies:
- postoperative rehabilitation for reconstructive or reconstructive surgical interventions;
- dislocations and subluxations of the foot;
- Achilles tendon damage;
- abnormalities of the ankle, including dysplasia;
- fractures of the bones of the foot and lower leg.
It is noteworthy that the type of device presented not only fixes the damaged area, but also the adjacent regions of the limb.
Semi-rigid orthosis for ankle joint
With less serious injuries, you can do without immobilization, in such situations, orthopedists are advised to use an elastic orthosis on the ankle joint with lacing and hard inserts in the form of metal or plastic plates. The considered group of supports provides:
- significant reduction in the load on the bones and cartilaginous designs of the feet;
- constant support of the leg and joints of the foot;
- a decrease in the intensity of the pain syndrome;
- elimination of swelling and swelling of soft tissues at the site of damage to the limb;
- temporary restriction of foot mobility within specified limits;
- intensification of blood circulation in the area of leg injuries;
- stabilization of the joint position.
Semi-rigid fixatives are indicated for many pathological conditions:
- degenerative-dystrophic and inflammatory diseases of cartilaginous tissue;
- sprains ;
- period of recovery after fractures, tears and dislocations, surgical interventions;
- partial paralysis and paresis as a result of acute disorders of cerebral circulation and others.
Dynamic orthosis on the ankle
Wearing a soft or elastic band usually performed in the form of a sock is often prescribed to prevent possible foot damage. This is especially true with professional or regular sports activities, for example, athletics, hobby. The dynamic caliper provides additional support for the shin, preventing its overload, sprains and tendon injuries.
Another important function of the present fixator is compression. Elastic orthosis promotes increased blood circulation and lymph flow in the ankle, due to which a rapid reduction of pain in this part of the limb is achieved. Therefore, soft bandages are also recommended for mild forms of arthrosis, arthritis, valgus deformity of the foot, and the appearance of unpleasant platypodia. They can be useful in case of minor injuries and bruises.