1. General Orthosis

Purpose: Primarily for immobilization and protection. After an injury to a body part, movement restriction is necessary to prevent secondary injury, reduce pain, and create a stable environment for healing.

How it works: By physically wrapping and supporting, it replaces or enhances the function of damaged ligaments and muscles, preventing undesirable joint movement.

Common Examples:

Ankle Stabilization Brace: Used after an ankle sprain, it allows you to move your ankle up and down, but limits inversion and rotation to prevent further sprains. Your weight is still transferred to the ground through your heel and foot.

Wrist Immobilization Brace: Used for carpal tunnel syndrome or wrist sprains, it immobilizes the wrist in a neutral position, allowing the hand to grip.

Soft Lumbar Support: Used for acute lumbar sprains, it provides wrapping and light support, but the majority of your weight is still borne by the spine.

2. Non-Load-Bearing Orthosis

Purpose: Achieve absolute "non-load bearing." For certain serious injuries (such as certain fractures, postoperative injuries, or diabetic foot ulcers), even minimal weight bearing and pressure can hinder healing and even lead to catastrophic consequences (such as fixation failure and ulcer exacerbation).

How it works: This is the essence of the orthosis. The base of the orthosis is completely suspended, and the foot does not contact any surface. A support base is located in the upper part of the calf (below the tibial tuberosity). When you stand, your weight is transferred through this support base to the orthosis frame and then directly to the ground, completely bypassing the ankle and foot.

Common Examples:

Ankle Load-Free Orthosis: This orthosis looks like a high-top boot, but has a rocking chair-like curved base for easier walking. This is the most typical load-free orthosis.

Applications:

Fractures: Navicular stress fractures, Jones fractures of the fifth metatarsal, and postoperative ankle fractures.

Soft Tissue Repair: Postoperative Achilles tendon repair and postoperative plantar fascia surgery.

Diabetic foot: For patients with ulcers on the soles of the feet, any pressure will make the ulcer difficult to heal or even worsen. Load-free treatment is the gold standard treatment option.