What are Prosthetics and Orthotics and Reasons for Them

Prosthetics and Orthotics are devices. A prosthetic device is an artificial extension that replaces a missing body part due to injury, missing from birth or to help supplement defective parts. Prosthesis has been dated back to as far as the Egyptian Dynasty of 2750 B.C. while the earliest recorded referenced coming more than 2,000 years later around 500 B.C. On the other hand, Orthotics are devices that are used to ease the discomfort of biochemical foot disorders. The foot is designed to work in a certain way and when it does not the weight of your body is not distributed evenly. When this occurs tenderness and pain can develop in the ankles, muscles and foot. Pain is relieved by supporting and realigning the bones and ligaments of the foot allowing the foot to work normally.

More serious foot problems or those that are continuing to worsen should be attended to by a podiatrist or doctor of orthopaedics and the proper procedures done and steps taken to assist in the pain relief and prevent further damage. There are a number of materials that can be used in orthopaedics and the production of orthotics. They vary greatly by effectiveness, availability and price.

The main reason why a person needs prosthetics is amputation. This is the medical procedure wherein a part of the body, normally the arms or legs are removed. The reason for the removal can be for several reasons. One is cancer. Cancer cells work by killing the healthy cells of the body. It spreads rapidly, therefore, it should be stopped immediately. One of the fastest ways to stop the spread is by amputating the part of the body that has already been severely affected. Another reason for a prosthetics is a lost body part due to accidents. In some cases, the bones become crushed and they are impossible to bring back together again. The doctor may suggest to completely remove that part and to change it to an artificial one. It is more practical as artificial ones are easier to deal with. Check out bionics companies Philadelphia online to know more about your options in the area.

For orthotics, those who need them are people who have serious foot problems and biochemical foot disorders. Weakness in the tendons, bone spurs and other foot ailments are some of the foot problems that can be helped by the use of orthotics. Custom orthotics can only be supplied by a podiatrist, doctor of orthopaedics and a lab that specializes in prosthetics. These orthotics will require a doctor’s prescription. Orthopaedics, being a complex medical field will require a cast or mould to accurately identify the areas of misalignment and the custom device can be manufactured to relieve these abnormalities.

Both devices are artificial and therefore require certain maintenance to keep them in good shape. Therefore consult the doctor for further details to be on the safe side. Find out more about Philadelphia prosthetics here.

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