Orthotics play an important role in inpatient rehabilitation by supporting movement, improving alignment and helping patients regain independence after an injury or illness. In inpatient rehabilitation, these devices are often used alongside physical and occupational therapy to restore mobility, improve safety and support long-term recovery. Understanding how orthotics work and who may benefit from them can help patients and caregivers feel more confident throughout the rehabilitation process.
How orthotics support rehabilitation and recovery
Whether used short term or long term, orthotics can help patients regain independence and improve quality of life during inpatient rehabilitation.
After an injury, illness or surgery, you or a loved one may have limited mobility. When that happens, limb correction and assistive devices can support mobility and independence.
Orthotics are supportive devices that improve limb function by assisting weakened muscles, accommodating abnormal movement patterns and correcting musculoskeletal alignment. They are commonly used to support feet, ankles, knees and spine. By helping the body move in safer and more efficient ways, orthotics can help alleviate pain or discomfort.
Who may benefit from orthotics after injury or illness
Orthotics can be helpful for people recovering from conditions that affect mobility and function. Conditions that may benefit from orthotics include:
- Diabetes
- Spinal cord injury
- Multiple sclerosis
- Brain injury
- Stroke
- Other complex disabilities
What are the types of orthotics?
There are several different types of orthotics available, depending on a patient’s needs, goals and diagnosis.
“There are several different types of orthotics available to assist patients,” said Corrine Fritcher, a physical therapist at Encompass Health Valley of the Sun Rehabilitation Hospital. “These range from diabetic shoes to custom inserts that a podiatrist may prescribe an individual with diabetes. These custom-made devices assist with multiple muscle groups to aid alignment and mobility. Even small improvements in alignment with an orthotic can lead to significant improvements in gait mobility.”
General categories of orthotics
Orthotics typically fall into two categories:
- Functional orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts that support foot alignment and mobility
- Accommodative orthotics: Over-the-counter devices that support limb positioning and mobility
Lower-limb orthotics used in rehabilitation
Within these categories, different orthotics support different parts of the body affecting your mobility. They include:
- Ankle-foot orthotics: Addresses foot drop by supporting both the foot and ankle to help control the range of motion and the ankle joint
- Knee-ankle orthotics: Support lower extremity control (knee and ankle) by offloading pressure and helping individuals to move independently
- Hip-knee-ankle-foot orthotics: Support the hip, knee, ankle and foot for individuals with significant lower limb weakness or paralysis
“Ankle-foot orthotics are commonly prescribed to an individual following a central nerve injury such as a stroke or peripheral nerve injury — where a specific nerve has been damaged in an accident,” Fritcher said. “There are several custom-made and off-the-shelf ankle-foot orthotics that assist with lifting the foot correctly, allowing an individual to be able to take quality steps, return to walking safely and increase independence.”
Knee-ankle-foot and hip-knee-ankle-foot orthotics are more commonly used in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury or neuromuscular diseases. These orthotic devices are prescribed and custom-made to optimize safe mobility.
Why orthotics matter in rehabilitation
After a serious illness or injury, your doctor may recommend inpatient rehabilitation to help you get back to everyday activities and live as independently as possible. If your mobility has been impacted, a physical therapist could recommend orthotics, which play a vital role in rehabilitation and recovery. Orthotics provide a range of benefits, including:
- Improving safety during transfers and ambulation
- Preventing further deterioration from disuse of muscles
- Supporting healing and tissue protection
- Improving mobility and independence
Orthotics can empower you to increase mobility and independence when used temporarily during inpatient rehabilitation or long term. Physical and occupational therapists will work together to train you in using the proper devices to help you regain as much mobility as possible.
Using orthotics as part of a rehabilitation care team
In inpatient rehabilitation, patients are supported by a care team that may include rehabilitation physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and case managers.
Your care team works together to:
- Evaluate your mobility and functional needs
- Determine whether orthotics may be helpful
- Ensure proper fit and comfort
- Train you and your caregivers on safe use
- Plan for continued care after discharge
Whether helping someone walk again after a stroke or supporting mobility for those with chronic conditions, orthotics can play a critical role in your care at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital.
