Wednesday, 16 January 2013 21:35

Paralympic Swimmer Alyssa Gialamas Relies on Ankle-Foot Orthotic

Seventeen year old Alyssa Gialamas competed in the 2012 London Paralympics swimming events. Gialamas was born with arthrogryposis, a congenital condition affecting the joints and muscles. Out of the pool Gialamas relies on her leg-foot-ankle orthotics to stabilize her joints and support her muscles. Gialamas competed with 34 other elite U.S. swimmers at the games.

Gialamas shows that foot and ankle orthotics can allow anyone to regain full mobility. Her condition did not force her to sideline herself for the games, and now she proves that foot conditions and foot injuries are something that can be overcome. If you have a need for orthotics, it is highly recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist, like Dr. Howard Hyman of The Podiatry Center, P.C. Dr. Hyman can work with you on treatment options for your foot conditions that might require the use of ankle-foot orthotics.

Orthoses


Orthoses are devices used to correct physical impairments that are caused by scoliosis, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, or foot deformities..

Orthoses include ankle foot orthosis, thoracolumbosacral orthosis, knee orthosis and wrist hand orthosis. When orthoses were first made, plaster of Paris molds were made of the patient and then materials like plastic, elastic, metal or a combination of those materials.

Different Types of Braces

-The Boston Brace
-Used to assist patients who suffer from scoliosis.
-The Charleston Bending Brace
-This is worn only at night, the design of this brace is built to correct the curve of the                                         
scoliosis.
-The Milwaukee Brace
-Used for mid-back curves. This brace consists of a plastic pelvic girdle and a neck ring. This brace is rarely used but patients with a curve very high in the spine can benefit.
-A knee orthosis is a brace worn to given the knee strength. Ostero arthritiscan cause significant pain, knee braces allow a person to remain active.

Orthoses have changed over the decades as new material and technology have advanced.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Milburn NJ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot ankle injuries.

Read the Full Article on Orthoses.

Connect With Us