Diagnoses and symptoms

Various ligaments in the ankle joint stabilise the joints in conjunction with muscles that encompass the joints. The therapy for ligament instability depends on the cause and degree of severity. Phased treatment with an orthosis is indispensable for patients with a torn ligament.

Falling is the most common cause of a heel bone fracture. In some cases, the fracture can be treated conservatively with an orthosis. After the area has been immobilised with a splint, a heel relief orthosis supports mobility.

Sprains and ligament injuries of the ankle joint are among the most common injuries of all – especially for athletes. Current studies show that early functional treatment with orthoses is a better option than longer-term immobilisation.

A procedure to stiffen the ankle joint can be performed in cases where it has undergone severe changes, for example, due to arthrosis. After this procedure called arthrodesis, an orthosis protects the ankle joint and gradually increases the foot’s capacity to bear weight.

The ligaments stabilise the knee joint in conjunction with muscles that encompass the joint. Various factors can cause ligaments to be weak (laxity), as a result of which the joints may also be unstable. Physiotherapy and stabilising orthoses can help alleviate pain and discomfort.

Osteoarthritis of the knee often occurs in adults. Wear and tear on the knee joint becomes apparent due to pain. Medications, physiotherapy and orthopaedic devices can improve mobility.

Of all the joints in the body, the knee joint is subjected to the most strain. The risk of injury or disease is high as a result. Therapy depends on the cause of the symptoms. Supports or orthoses can stabilise, provide relief, guide the joint and alleviate pain.

Along with the collateral ligaments, the cruciate ligaments hold the knee joint together. If a cruciate ligament is torn, the damaged ligament is often replaced with a piece of tendon from another part of the body during an operation. Orthoses stabilise the knee joint and help affected individuals get moving early on.

Hip dysplasia is a malformation or maldevelopment of the acetabulum. A misalignment (hip luxation or hip joint luxation) may develop in addition. Especially in infants, the disease can be successfully treated with an orthosis.

Up to 70 per cent of women aged 30 to 60 are affected by back pain, and even more men at up to 80 per cent. A combination of pain therapy, orthopaedic technology devices and physiotherapy treatment helps in many cases.

There are various causes for wear and tear of the spine. Age, severe strain, smoking and excess weight often play a significant role. Orthoses provide relief for the back and support it after surgery.

Spina bifida (open back) is a defect in the area of the spine and spinal cord that occurs at the beginning of pregnancy. The type and symptoms can vary considerably. Successful treatment with devices such as orthoses largely depends on this.

Symptoms in the wrist area can have many different causes. Pain may radiate from the hand to the arm and the other way around. Orthoses tailored to the individual diagnosis support healing and can alleviate pain.

Whiplash injury is frequently caused by a rear-end collision. Often the patient only notices hours after the accident that the structures in their cervical spine have been injured. The subsequent therapy is usually conservative.

There are many causes for shoulder instability. An operation is needed in some cases. However, ligament laxity can regularly be treated using conservative methods. Physiotherapy and orthoses are important elements of therapy success.

Tennis or golfer’s elbow (epicondylitis radialis humeri) develops due to excessive strain on the forearm muscles and their tendon insertions. Orthoses can help alleviate symptoms.

Cerebral palsy is a usually spastic disorder of the nervous and muscular system that occurs in children. A multidisciplinary therapy approach is usually applied. Devices range from infancy to adulthood and help with positioning and support as well as improving balance and the ability to walk.

Paralysis is the inability or reduced ability to voluntarily use one or more muscles, muscle groups or limbs. Custom paralysis orthoses are available today for various diagnoses and symptoms.

Individuals with MS may have many different neurological symptoms. When MS patients are affected by spasticity, devices such as orthoses can help alleviate their symptoms and maintain the greatest possible mobility.

Osteoporosis (bone atrophy) is a syndrome defined by an ongoing and continuous decrease in bone mass. Orthoses help to relieve symptoms.