Orthotics is an allied health care medical profession that is concerned with the design, development, fitting and manufacturing of orthoses, which are devices that support or correct musculoskeletal deformities and/or abnormalities of the human body.

The term is derived from the "ortho", meaning to straighten. Sciences such as materials engineering, gait analysis, anatomy and physiology, and psychology contribute to the work done by orthotists, professionals engaged in the field of orthotics.

 

Individuals who benefit from a complex orthosis may have an orthopedic condition such as scoliosis or a fracture or have sustained a physical impairment from a stroke or spinal cord injury, or a congenital abnormality such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy.

Simpler foot orthoses allow the muscles, tendons and bones of the feet and lower legs to function at their highest potential. When appropriately prescribed, these orthoses can decrease pain and increase stability in an unstable joint, along with preventing potential progression or development of a deformity. Improved quality of life often results from the application of the principles of orthotics.