Braces and orthotics to help correct musculoskeletal problems of the foot

Braces and orthotics are devices that may be worn or attached directly to bone, that are designed to support or correct musculoskeletal problems. These devices can help people who have suffered an injury by protecting areas of the body from further deformities; by promoting healing; by replacing or enhancing functionality and stability in areas of the body that may be weakened or injured; and by increasing mobility while decreasing rehabilitation time.

The orthopedic surgeons at Hurley Medical Center are highly skilled in prescribing a wide range of braces and orthotics, from complex systems to simple, one-piece foot orthotics. Orthotic devices can be especially helpful in preventing an existing problem from getting worse. Orthotics can be used permanently, as in hardware to support bone, or temporarily in order to provide support to an unstable part of the body. Some orthotics can be bought in drugstores; others must to be custom-made for the individual patient.