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.

If you are affected by knee pain, everyday life can feel very challenging. There are various different root causes for knee pain.

A cruciate ligament tear is a very common sports injury. Read on to find out more about the causes of cruciate ligament tears and how they can be treated.

Hip dysplasia is a malformation or maldevelopment of the acetabulum. A misalignment referred to as hip luxation or hip joint luxation may develop in addition.

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.

Age and various external factors are often responsible for wear and tear of the spine. An orthosis can relieve the back in everyday life or support it after an operation.

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.

Wrist conditions can have many different causes. Effective orthoses provide protection, support and pain relief, individually tailored to the symptoms.

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. Physiotherapy and orthoses are important elements of therapy success.

Tennis 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. Ottobock offers paralysis orthoses for various conditions.

When MS patients are affected by spasticity, regular physiotherapy (physical therapy) and/or the use of devices such as orthoses is recommended.

Osteoporosis (bone atrophy) is a syndrome defined by an ongoing and continuous decrease in bone mass. The skeleton becomes increasingly unstable and porous, and the risk of bone fractures is elevated.