Prosthetics and orthotics is one area of health sciences that is rapidly growing. By and large, prosthetics and orthotics are two different fields but the fact that they serve a common purpose of rehabilitation make them come united into one common entity. Read on and learn more on prosthetics and orthotics as has been discussed below.
Prosthetics actually is the practice where we see the use of artificial limbs, otherwise known as prostheses, which serve to help improve and enhance the function and lifestyle of those who may have suffered loss of limb. The particular prosthesis must actually be a proper combination of the right materials, of the right alignment, design and construction so as to get matching the very functional needs of the person who will be using them.
One other element to know about the prostheses and the need for them may be so complex and will vary as well from the lower and upper limbs. In most cases, the lower limb prostheses will come designed to help with a number of the needs there may be such as stability and motion, shock absorption, cosmetic appearance, help with the athletic activities such as jumping and running, designed as well for energy storage and the like. Looking at the upper limb prostheses, these are the kinds that are designed to help with much of the needs for the upper limbs such as reaching and grasping, some of the occupational challenges that may follow these like hammering and painting, and the daily life activities such as reading and writing.
When it comes to the orthotics, these involve a lot of creativity in the design and the fabrication of the external braces as well known as the orthoses, as part of a person’s treatment process. These external braces, as well known as orthoses, basically serve to control the weakened or deformed regions of the body of those who may so happen to be physically challenged. You may see or have orthoses used on various parts of the body some of which are like both the upper and lower limbs, on the cranium and the spine as well. Here are some of the most common kinds of the orthoses you will come across out there; cranial helmets, orthoses for cases of scoliosis, those that are used for serious neck injuries and the like. Added to these, you may want to add to these the foot orthoses that would be used for the treatment needs and rehabilitation of the kids who may be suffering from cerebral palsy. Over the recent past, we have had a rise in the kinds of orthotics that help with the various needs of young children and you can check these out here.