Ankle & Foot
Splints, supports, braces, and wraps for the ankle and foot – providing support to injured ankles and feet while healing
The ankle is a ginglymus or hinge joint formed by the articulation between the inferior surface of the tibia and the talas bone. A hinge joint only allows movement (plantarflexion and dorsiflexion) in the sagittal plane of motion. The inward and outward movement of the foot takes place at the subtalar joint.
An ankle sprain tears or disrupts the ligaments that support the ankle (collectively the deltoid ligament on the medial ankle and the ligaments anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular, and posterior talofibular on the lateral ankle). When compromised through injury the ligaments cannot support the ankle joint and are very sore when the foot and ankle are moved.
A variety of splints, braces, and supports are designed to provide extra support and compression to the ankle when injured or recovering from surgery. This more stabilized environment of the ankle and foot allows the healing characteristics of the ligaments and other soft tissues to occur, whereas if further undesirable movements were to occur it would disrupt and delay the healing process.
The foot comprises a variety of different types of joints that allow for movement, articulation, support, and adaptation to regular irregular surfaces. The unique Windlass mechanism provided by the plantar fascia helps provide a rigid foot for locomotion push-off and the multi-jointed tarsal bones, forefoot metatarsal bones, and the arch structures of the foot absorb the forces of heel-strike and weight bearing.
A variety of splints, braces, and supports are designed to provide extra support and compression to the foot, heel, arch, and tendons of the foot and ankle. Night splints help treat plantar fasciitis and foot splints allow for bult dressings. Special diabetic boots help relieve pressure points and successfully heal wounds and are indicated for use with diabetic foot syndrome, neuropathy, DNOAP and Charcot foot, and post-operative care of toe amputation.
ProHealthcareProducts.com offers a wide variety of ankle and foot splints, braces, supports, and wraps for athletic settings and home therapy.