Custom-Made Orthotics

Custom made orthotics are indicated in cases where pre manufactured orthotics are not available or will not perform the desired function. At Germishuys and van den Berg we are capable of manufacturing all orthotics with new and old technology. Frequent conditions that may require custom made orthotics are stroke, cerebral palsy, scoliosis, plantar fasciitis, post-polio syndrome etc. The Orthotists at Germishuys and van den Berg are experienced in the prescription and manufacturing in traditional metal and leather orthotics such as calipers, BK irons, pattern raises, cork raises and surgical/custom shoes.

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Lower Limb Orthotics

Lower limb orthotics can be categorised into three basic types of orthoses namely conventional metal and leather, moulded plastic and electrical stimulation. It can be further categorised into custom made and of-the-shelf devices. These devices include AFO’s (Ankle Foot Orthoses), KAFO’s (Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses) and HKAFO’s (Hip Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses).

There are a variety of Ankle-Foot Orthotic (AFO) designs, including solid ankle, flexible ankle and articulating ankle. At Germishuys and Van Den Berg O&P we will determine which design is best for treatment based on each individual’s needs and goals. These devices are used to correct or support foot abnormalities associated with neuromuscular disorders or congenital deformities.

Previous slide
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Lower Limb Orthotics

Lower limb orthotics can be categorised into three basic types of orthoses namely conventional metal and leather, moulded plastic and electrical stimulation. It can be further categorised into custom made and of-the-shelf devices. These devices include AFO’s (Ankle Foot Orthoses), KAFO’s (Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses) and HKAFO’s (Hip Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses).

 

There are a variety of Ankle-Foot Orthotic (AFO) designs, including solid ankle, flexible ankle and articulating ankle. At Germishuys and Van Den Berg O&P we will determine which design is best for treatment based on each individual’s needs and goals. These devices are used to correct or support foot abnormalities associated with neuromuscular disorders or congenital deformities.

Shoe Modifications


There are many conditions that would require one to have modified shoes e.g. leg length discrepancies, congenital deformities and acquired deformities. Many of these could simply be treated with modifications inside the shoe and some may require modifications to the outer sole of the shoe. In rare cases it may be necessary to manufacture a shoe from scratch.

We would generally start off with taking a mould of the foot and ankle, measurements or both where after we would then do the necessary modifications and fit the finished item on a follow-up appointment.

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Upper Limb orthotics

In Orthotics, we treat a wide variety of conditions of the upper limb as prescribed by your doctor or therapist. There is a wide variety of pre- manufactured/Off-the-Shelf items available that can simply be measured for, adjusted and fitted e.g., arm slings and wrist braces.

Some items need to be custom made specifically to each patient. In the event of a custom-made orthotic we would generally take a series of measurements and/or impression of the affected segment, manufacture the item and fit it on a follow-up appointment. In some cases, we can manufacture the item on the first consultation depending on the diagnosis.

Previous slide
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Upper Limb orthotics

In Orthotics, we treat a wide variety of conditions of the upper limb as prescribed by your doctor or therapist. There is a wide variety of pre- manufactured/Off-the-Shelf items available that can simply be measured for, adjusted and fitted e.g., arm slings and wrist braces.

Some items need to be custom made specifically to each patient. In the event of a custom-made orthotic we would generally take a series of measurements and/or impression of the affected segment, manufacture the item and fit it on a follow-up appointment. In some cases, we can manufacture the item on the first consultation depending on the diagnosis.

Spinal Braces


Spinal orthoses are categorized as flexible, rigid or semi-rigid. At Germishuys and Van Den Berg O&P we measure and fit the correct pre-manufactured or custom-made spinal braces depending on your diagnosis. Conditions such as a herniated disc, spinal deformities including scoliosis, sciatica, general lower back pain, poor posture, weak structures in the back and spine, spinal injuries, strained or sprained muscles in the back or osteoporosis will all benefit from a spinal orthosis.

Pre-manufactured spinal braces are used to manage back pain by limiting motion and unloading discs, vertebrae and other spinal structures by compressing the abdomen. These braces stabilise weak or injured structures by immobilizing the spine.

In the case of custom-made spinal braces, we use three-point-force- systems for correction or prevention of a deformity when a patient has scoliosis. This type of brace requires the patient to be measured by taking a full spinal cast in order for us to manufacture a corrective brace.

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Spinal Braces


Spinal orthoses are categorized as flexible, rigid or semi-rigid. At Germishuys and Van Den Berg O&P we measure and fit the correct pre-manufactured or custom-made spinal braces depending on your diagnosis. Conditions such as a herniated disc, spinal deformities including scoliosis, sciatica, general lower back pain, poor posture, weak structures in the back and spine, spinal injuries, strained or sprained muscles in the back or osteoporosis will all benefit from a spinal orthosis.

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Pre-manufactured spinal braces are used to manage back pain by limiting motion and unloading discs, vertebrae and other spinal structures by compressing the abdomen. These braces stabilise weak or injured structures by immobilizing the spine.

In the case of custom-made spinal braces, we use three-point-force- systems for correction or prevention of a deformity when a patient has scoliosis.  This type of brace requires the patient to be measured by taking a full spinal cast in order for us to manufacture a corrective brace.