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Orthotics FAQs2025-06-05T16:26:50+00:00

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ORTHOTICS

At Sound Prosthetics & Orthotics, we are dedicated to helping patients understand the importance of orthotics and how they can improve their overall well-being. Orthotics are often prescribed to alleviate pain, correct deformities, and improve the function of certain body parts. Our certified orthotists and pedorthists can explain the vital role that orthotics play in enhancing comfort and mobility, and how they can provide stabilization and pain relief.

What is an orthotist?2025-06-09T23:27:48+00:00

  • An orthotist is a healthcare professional that is knowledgeable in the field of designing, building, and fitting orthotic devices.
What is an orthosis?2025-06-09T23:27:55+00:00

  • An orthosis is a medical device that is intended to align, support, prevent, or correct deformities of the musculoskeletal system.
What does orthotic mean?2025-06-09T23:28:07+00:00

  • Although the words orthotic and orthosis are similar, there is a difference. Orthotic refers to the field of medicine that focuses on the designing, building, and fitting orthotic devices to help people improve the function of their musculoskeletal system.
What are the different types of orthoses?2025-06-09T23:28:12+00:00

  • Lower Extremity
    • Hip
      • A hip orthosis is a device designed to immobilize, stabilize, or support the hip joint.
      • A hip-knee-ankle-foot-orthosis (HKAFO) is a device designed to immobilize and support the entire lower extremity, from hip to foot.
    • Knee
      • A knee-ankle-foot-orthosis (KAFO) is a device designed to stabilize and support the knee, ankle, and foot.
      • A knee orthosis (KO) is a device designed to improve the function, protect, and stabilize the knee joint.
    • Ankle
      • An ankle-foot-orthosis (AFO) is a device designed to stabilize and support the ankle and foot.
    • Foot
      • A foot orthosis (FO) is a device designed to provide support, alignment, and cushioning to the foot.

 

  • Upper Extremity
    • Spine
      • A cervical orthosis (CO) is a device designed to support and stabilize the cervical spine (neck area).
      • A thoracic orthosis is a device designed to stabilize and support the thoracic spine (upper and middle area of the back).
      • A lumbar orthosis is a device designed to support and stabilize the lumbar spine (lower back).
    • Shoulder
      • A shoulder orthosis (SO) is a device designed to protect, support, and stabilize the shoulder joint.
    • Elbow
      • An elbow orthosis (EO) is a device designed to protect and stabilize the elbow joint.
    • Wrist
      • A wrist orthosis (WO) is a device designed to protect and stabilize the wrist joint.
    • Hand
      • A hand orthosis is a device designed to protect, stabilize, and improve the function of the hand and fingers.
Lower Extremity: Hip Orthoses2025-06-09T23:28:18+00:00

  • A hip orthosis is a device that is designed to stabilize, support, or immobilize the hip joint. A hip orthosis helps maintain proper alignment of the hip joint. This type of orthosis is used to support the hips after surgery, injury, or in cases of hip instability. This is beneficial for patients who have had hip replacement surgery, have experienced hip fractures, or have hip dysplasia. Depending on the patient’s needs, physical condition, and body composition, hip orthoses may be prefabricated or custom made. After an evaluation, our orthotist will determine which type of hip orthosis is most appropriate.
  • A hip-knee-ankle-foot-orthosis (HKAFO) is a device designed to immobilize and support the entire lower extremity, from hip to foot. HKAFOs are commonly used after surgeries involving the hip, knee, or ankle to promote healing while providing stabilization. HKAFOs are often prescribed for patients who have conditions that affect the function of their lower extremities such as muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, or traumatic paraplegia. HKAFOs help the patient’s lower extremity to remain in proper alignment. This provides them with the confidence to perform their activities of daily living (ADLs) with greater independence. HKAFOs are typically custom fabricated to contour to the patient’s anatomy and provide an adequate amount of support.
Lower Extremity: Knee Orthoses2025-06-09T23:28:24+00:00

  • A knee-ankle-foot-orthosis (KAFO) is a device designed to stabilize and support the knee, ankle, and foot. KAFOs are prescribed for patients who have conditions that affect the function of their lower extremity. The main purpose of a KAFO is to help patients with weak or unstable knees and ankles to walk more effectively by giving them the support that they need. KAFOs help the patient’s lower extremity to remain in proper alignment. KAFOs are also commonly used after surgeries involving the knee and ankle to provide stabilization, leading to better healing outcomes. KAFOs assist in the rehabilitation process and provide patients with the confidence to perform their activities of daily living (ADLs) with greater independence. KAFOs are often custom fabricated, contoured to the patient’s anatomy to provide the greatest amount of support, but sometimes prefabricated KAFOs are the best method of treatment.
  • A knee orthosis (KO) is a device designed to improve the function, protect, and stabilize the knee joint. KOs are used to treat a range of medical conditions. KOs are often used for post-injury and post-surgery recovery. KOs support the knee joint by preventing excessive movement. This can alleviate pain for patients who experience conditions such as arthritis, ligament injuries, or tendinitis, by limiting the amount of stress on the joint. Some KOs are specifically designed to correct instability or misalignment issues, for patients who have “bow legs” or “knock knees” a KO can be very beneficial. KOs can be custom fabricated or prefabricated depending on the patient’s anatomy and medical condition. Our orthotist will determine which type of KO is of the best benefit to the patient.
Lower Extremity: Ankle Orthoses2025-06-09T23:28:28+00:00

  • An ankle-foot-orthosis (AFO) is a device designed to stabilize and support the ankle and foot. AFOs provide support and stabilization to the ankle and foot by preventing excessive movement. AFOs can help patients who have difficulty walking by increasing their ability to maintain balance and control while walking. AFOs can also help patients who have foot deformities or misalignment issues. AFOs are often prescribed for those who have had ankle or foot surgeries. AFOs are prescribed post-surgery to protect the joint during healing, leading to better healing outcomes. Patients who have conditions such as cerebral palsy, Charcot foot deformity, muscular dystrophy, or other neurological disorders that affect the function of the lower extremity, can benefit from an AFO. AFOs can be custom fabricated or prefabricated depending on the patient’s anatomy and medical condition. Our orthotist will determine which style of AFO is most appropriate based on the patient’s anatomy and medical condition.
Lower Extremity: Foot Orthoses2025-06-09T23:28:33+00:00

  • A foot orthosis (FO) is a device designed to fit inside of a shoe, or to be integrated into an AFO. The goal of a FO is to provide support and cushioning to the foot, and to correct alignment. FOs provide support to the arch and heel of the patient’s foot. This support helps to stabilize the foot during movement, reducing strain on the muscles and ligaments. FOs can help correct misalignments of the foot and ankle, promoting proper biomechanics as the patient walks or runs. By increasing support and correcting alignment, FOs can enhance overall foot function, leading to greater overall body alignment for the patient. FOs can alleviate pain and discomfort caused by certain medical conditions. Patients experiencing conditions such as arthritis, foot pain, plantar fasciitis, pes cavus (high arches), or pes planus (flat foot) can benefit from FOs. FOs can be custom fabricated or prefabricated depending on the patient’s anatomy and medical condition. After an evaluation, our orthotist or pedorthist will determine which form of FO is most appropriate.
Upper Extremity: Spinal Orthoses2025-06-09T23:28:38+00:00

  • A cervical orthosis (CO) is a device designed to support and stabilize the cervical spine (neck area). COs are used to manage a variety of medical conditions related to the cervical vertebrae and the surrounding soft tissues. COs may be prescribed for post-surgery recovery to protect the surgical site, maintain proper alignment, and offer support while the patient heals. They are also prescribed to alleviate neck pain by restricting movement and providing support to the area. The two types of COs that we offer in our office are soft and rigid collars. Soft collars offer mild support, while rigid collars restrict movement at a greater level. Patients who have conditions such as cervical nerve compression, cervical spondylosis, herniated discs, or whiplash accidents can benefit from wearing a CO. COs can be custom fabricated or prefabricated depending on the patient’s anatomy and medical condition. After an evaluation, our orthotist will determine which type of CO is most appropriate.
  • A thoracic orthosis is a device designed to stabilize and support the thoracic spine (upper and middle area of the back). The three types of thoracic orthoses that we offer in our office are thoracic-lumbar-sacral-orthoses (TLSOs), rib belts, and custom fabricated thoracic orthoses. The goal of a thoracic orthosis is to provide support to the thoracic spine, reduce excessive movement, and help the patient to maintain proper alignment. Thoracic orthoses may be prescribed for post-surgery recovery to protect the surgical site, provide stabilization, and redistribute stress from the spine, leading to better healing outcomes. Thoracic orthoses can also help alleviate pain associated with conditions such as kyphosis, scoliosis, and other spinal deformities. Thoracic orthoses can be custom fabricated or prefabricated depending on the patient’s anatomy and medical condition. After an evaluation, our orthotist will determine which type of thoracic orthosis is most appropriate.
  • A lumbar orthosis is a device designed to support and stabilize the lumbar spine (lower back). There are many different types of lumbar orthoses. Lumbar belts are soft or semi-rigid belts that wrap around the lower back to provide compression and support. Rigid lumbar orthoses provide more substantial support and limit movement of the lumbar spine. Rigid lumbar orthoses are often prescribed for post-surgery recovery or after a significant injury. There are also Lumbosacral Orthoses (LSOs) that extend from the lumbar region to the sacrum. This type of lumbar orthosis offers more comprehensive coverage of the entire lower back area. Lumbar orthoses help patients to maintain proper spinal alignment. This can assist in the healing of fractures or soft tissue injuries. This can also alleviate pain for patients with conditions such as herniated discs, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, or vertebral compression fractures. Thoracic orthoses can be custom fabricated or prefabricated depending on the patient’s anatomy and medical condition. After an evaluation, our orthotist will determine which type of lumbar orthosis is most appropriate.
Upper Extremity: Shoulder Orthoses2025-06-09T23:28:45+00:00

  • A shoulder orthosis (SO) is a device designed to protect, support, and stabilize the shoulder joint. The SOs that we see prescribed most often are shoulder slings and shoulder immobilizers. Shoulder slings provide support and stabilization to the shoulder joint, while also allowing for some movement. The goal is to limit excessive motion which could lead to further injury. Shoulder immobilizers are designed to restrict movement of the shoulder. Shoulder immobilizers usually have a sling with a strap system to hold the arm close to the body. This type of SO is often prescribed for patients after shoulder surgery or for severe injuries. Patients who have had rotator cuff repair or shoulder replacement surgeries can benefit from shoulder immobilizers. Overall, SOs help patients to maintain proper shoulder alignment. Patients who have conditions such as arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, shoulder dislocation, or shoulder impingement can benefit from SOs. SOs can be custom fabricated or prefabricated depending on the patient’s anatomy and medical condition. After an evaluation, our orthotist will determine which type of SO is most appropriate.
Upper Extremity: Elbow Orthoses2025-06-09T23:28:50+00:00

  • An elbow orthosis (EO) is a device designed to protect and stabilize the elbow joint. The EOs that we see prescribed most often are elbow braces and elbow immobilizers. Elbow braces provide support and stabilization to the elbow joint, while also allowing for some movement. The goal is to limit excessive motion which could lead to further injury. Elbow braces can be made with soft fabric or more rigid materials. Elbow immobilizers are designed to completely restrict movement. This type of EO is often prescribed for patients after surgery or for severe injuries. The goal of an EO is to help the patient maintain proper alignment and reduce excessive movement. This is beneficial for post-surgery recovery. EOs also can help alleviate pain for patients experiencing conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, or tendinitis by reducing strain on the elbow joint. EOs can be custom fabricated or prefabricated depending on the patient’s anatomy and medical condition. After an evaluation, our orthotist will determine which type of EO is most appropriate.
Upper Extremity: Wrist Orthoses2025-06-09T23:28:56+00:00

  • A wrist orthosis (WO) is a device designed to protect and stabilize the wrist joint. The WOs that we see prescribed most often are wrist braces and wrist splints. Wrist braces provide support and stabilization to the wrist joint, while also allowing for some movement. Wrist braces can be made with soft fabric or more rigid materials. On the other hand, wrist splints are designed to completely immobilize the wrist. Wrist splints are typically used for conditions that require complete restriction of movement of the wrist joint, such as when a patient is recovering from a surgery or after an injury. The goal of a WO is to help the patient maintain proper alignment and reduce excessive movement. This is beneficial for post-surgery recovery, and also for patients who experience conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or tendonitis, by reducing strain on the wrist joint. WOs can be custom fabricated or prefabricated depending on the patient’s anatomy and medical condition. After an evaluation, our orthotist will determine which type of WO is most appropriate.
Upper Extremity: Hand Orthoses2025-06-09T23:29:01+00:00

  • A hand orthosis is a device designed to protect, stabilize, and improve the function of the hand and fingers. There are different types of hand orthoses. The hand orthoses that we see prescribed most often are finger splints and wrist-hand-orthoses (WHOs). Finger splints are intended to immobilize specific fingers or joints. WHOs are designed to support the wrist and hand, providing stabilization, while also allowing for some movement of the fingers. The goal of hand orthoses is to help the patient maintain proper alignment and reduce excessive movement. This is beneficial for post-surgery recovery, and also for patients who experience conditions such as arthritis, nerve compression, and tendonitis, by reducing strain on the joints and soft tissues. Hand orthoses can be custom fabricated or prefabricated depending on the patient’s anatomy and medical condition. After an evaluation, our orthotist will determine which type of hand orthosis is most appropriate.
What do I bring to my first appointment?2025-06-09T23:31:59+00:00

  • What you need to bring to your first appointment depends on what we’ll be seeing you for. There are different requirements for orthotic appointments versus prosthetic appointments.
    • Shoes/Foot Orthotics:
      • Please bring your current shoes that you wear on a regular basis. This would include athletic shoes, walking shoes, and/or work shoes, etc.
      • Please bring your current foot orthotics, if you have any. This would include custom molded foot orthotics, over-the-counter foot orthotics, heel lifts, metatarsal pads, etc.
      • Please bring socks to wear with your shoes.
      • Please be prepared to discuss your symptoms, daily activities and lifestyle needs. This will help our practitioner determine the best shoes and foot orthotics for you specifically.
    • Orthotic Device – Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO):
      • Please be prepared to talk about your symptoms and any functional goals you may have. (Ex: difficulty walking, tripping while walking, experiencing ankle instability, etc.)
      • Please bring socks to wear with your AFO.
      • Please bring shoes that you plan on wearing with your AFO. If you’re unsure, it doesn’t hurt to bring 2 pair of shoes. Please avoid slip-on shoes, slides, or shoes without support.
      • Please bring any mobility aids that you currently use. This will help our practitioner observe your gait with and without the use of the mobility aid. (Ex: cane, walker, crutches, etc.)
    • Orthotic Device – Knee Orthosis (KO):
      • Please be prepared to talk about your symptoms and any functional goals you may have. (Ex: pain, instability, locking when walking, etc.)
      • Please bring shorts or loose-fitting pants to provide easy access to your knee for our practitioner during the evaluation and fitting of your knee brace.
    • Prosthetic Devices:
      • If you’ve already been fit with a prosthesis, please bring it with you to your appointment. Even if it’s broken, outdated, uncomfortable, and you don’t wear it, bringing it to your appointment will provide us with helpful insight on how to build your new prosthesis.
      • Please be prepared to talk about your symptoms and any functional goals you may have.
      • Please bring any prosthetic supplies you are currently using. This would include prosthetic liners, sleeves, socks, shrinkers, etc.
      • Please bring any mobility aids that you currently use. This will help our practitioner observe your gait with and without the use of the mobility aid. (Ex: cane, walker, crutches, etc.)
      • For lower extremity prosthetic patients: Please bring shorts to change into, if necessary.
      • For upper extremity prosthetic patients: Please bring a short sleeve top or tank top to change into, if necessary.
    • For any appointment, if you have any questions or concerns, it’s best to come with them written down so you don’t forget to ask about any of them.
    • Some patients prefer to bring a caregiver, friend, or family member to help them communicate and remember what was discussed during the appointment. Also, if you require physical assistance, it’s best to bring whoever helps you so that they can be informed on the process as well.