Injuries to the extremities require not only timely treatment, but also long-term rehabilitation therapy. As a rule, it includes various procedures and wearing special devices. Currently, specialized stores offer a wide variety of models of orthoses for the ankle joint.
They come in several forms:
- Rehabilitation. This type of orthosis is intended for use in the treatment of bone fractures. Also, fixatives can be used in the rehabilitation period in order to reduce the likelihood of complications.
- Functional. Such fixatives are designed to hold the joints and at the same time maintain their motor activity, preventing irreversible changes in their structures.
- Preventive. These products are designed to minimize the likelihood of traumatic damage to the ankle of the foot.
Degree of hardness
Orthoses for the ankle joint can have different stiffness. In accordance with the classification, among them are distinguished:
- Soft orthoses. Such products are in the form of a removable device and a fabric structure.
- Medium hardness. These clips are equipped with straps that allow the device to perform the functions of an elastic bandage. Ankle lacing orthoses with lacing are very convenient to use. In addition, metal and plastic elements may be present in the products.
- Rigid orthoses on the ankle joint. These supporting products are equipped with plastic plates and elastic tires. The mentioned parts are arranged in such a way that the device guarantees reliable fixation of the ankle joint and the areas located near it.
Soft models are made, as a rule, from breathable materials, which have a moderate compression effect on the injured joint. In addition, soft orthoses are able to exert a massage effect, as a result of which blood circulation improves in the affected limb. An ankle semi-rigid retainer looks like an average length of boots. An orthosis is attached to the foot with special straps.
What is in the composition?
The composition of devices, depending on the model of the orthosis, may include various elements:
- Pneumatic chambers that provide fixation of the affected joint by forcing air.
- Metal, plastic inserts.
- Silicone, gel pillows.
- Lacing.
If there is a need to choose an ankle latch, you should first pay attention to what type of injury you have. In addition, it is important to consider the goals pursued by the patient and the doctor. Soft braces are recommended for use in the prevention of fractures and sprains in the ankle. Medium-hard and hard orthoses for the ankle joint are necessary to correct the traumatic damage to the ankle.
Dynamic orthoses
Separately, dynamic varieties should be distinguished. Such orthoses on the ankle joint are indicated for use in the following cases:
- In the rehabilitation period after surgery on a damaged limb.
- With the development of tendinopathy, degenerative pathologies of the ligament apparatus.
Ankle orthoses are also classified by type of manufacture. Allocate:
- Customized.
- Serial.
- Prefabricated Modular.
Serial clamps are made according to pre-designed blanks. Prefabricated orthoses have a more complex structure, therefore they are produced taking into account the individual characteristics of an individual patient. Personal models are made by prior individual order. The cost of such products is always quite high.
Indications for wearing
The priority in the treatment of traumatic injuries of the leg is to reduce physical activity. Wearing orthoses on the ankle joint is indicated in the following cases:
- Children's pathologies, including disorders such as rickets, dysplasia.
- Paralysis, paresis obtained due to previous reconstructive or reconstructive surgery.
- Secondary instability of the ankle joint zone, which is caused by pathology inside the joints, for example, hallux valgus, obesity, flat feet.
- Degenerative, dystrophic processes, inflammation.
- Traumatization of the ligament apparatus.
- Damage to the Achilles junction zone.
- The rehabilitation period after a fracture, dislocation, subluxation.
The use of strong fixation on the ankle joint allows you to:
- Reduce soreness, swelling.
- Strengthen the ligamentous and muscular apparatus.
- Increase the amplitude of motion of the damaged joint.
- Stabilize a limb.
- Reduce the load.
Advantages and disadvantages
These devices are characterized by indisputable advantages in comparison with standard bandages and plaster. Plastic orthosis, unlike the specified means, allows you to securely fix the joint.
The main disadvantage of the device is that it cannot be used for an open fracture of the ankle, if there are bleeding wounds in the ankle zone. It is worth noting that orthopedic devices do not contribute to atrophic changes in muscle tissue, but rather act in a strengthening way.
Terms of use
The duration of use should be determined individually by an orthopedic surgeon or surgeon, taking into account the degree of joint trauma. This period can vary from a week to several months. To correct minor damage, it is shown to use soft orthoses and semi-rigid, not limiting mobility.
Among the basic rules for wearing an ankle retainer, the following should be highlighted:
- The device must only be worn on a sock made of natural fabrics in a sitting position.
- Every day you should increase the wearing time of the latch (you need to start with half an hour).
- In addition to the duration of use, it is necessary to increase the load on the affected joint.
- Getting used to wearing an orthosis can take about six weeks. About the same amount of time will be required to wean from it.
An ankle fixer is characterized by elasticity, so it is quite simple to hide under clothes. If limb damage is more serious, doctors recommend wearing hard and semi-rigid orthoses, in which there are metal plates or silicone inserts. Products of this kind require compliance with a special regime that provides for peace, the use of orthopedic shoes.
Ankle fixation selection
How to choose an ankle joint for a fracture? It’s quite difficult to say exactly which orthosis will be most suitable for a particular person. Wearing such a device should only be started after prior consultation with a competent physician. If the orthosis is chosen for the child, then parents should take into account all possible features of the growing organism as much as possible. In this case, it will be advisable to use a latch made to order.
Choosing a supporting device should be based on the severity, neglect of the pathology. To correct minor injuries of the ankle joint, the use of soft orthoses is indicated. To treat more complex injuries, hard and medium fixators are intended.
The following individual parameters should also be considered:
- Foot size.
- Tibia girth in the widest area.
- Volume in the ankle.
- Ankle girth.
If the measurements taken were between the available sizes, then it is necessary to make a choice in favor of a smaller model, since a large latch will not allow you to reliably hold the ankle. In addition, it is not worth saving when choosing an orthosis, if it is intended to be used for a long time.
Cost
You can buy ankle fixers not only in orthopedic pharmacies, but in online stores. However, specialized points still have some advantage over network resources - you can get acquainted with quality certificates and get a guarantee in them.
The cost of the fixing device depends on the type of construction and manufacturer:
- Orthosis "Ladomed" on average costs from 1900 to 3500 rubles.
- Turbocast model. The cost of these clamps ranges from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles.
- Orthosis orthosis on the ankle joint will cost from about 4000 to 7000 rubles. It depends on its type and region of sale.
Orthosis on the ankle joint - reviews
Users note that the use of these models is much more convenient and effective than ordinary plaster and elastic bandages. The orthopedic device allows you to reliably fix the affected joint, thereby reducing the load on it. This, in turn, contributes to a speedy recovery.