A common dilemma faced by the lower extremity clinician is a condition which may or may not require additional support or bracing than what a custom foot orthotic may provide.Considerations in this decision making process include, severity of symptoms, duration of symptoms, progression of the condition, of the weakness of the parts involved, response to previous treatment and/or surgery, goals of treatment, and overall prognosis. An important concept to keep in mind is a custom foot orthotic is intended to enhance overall functionality of the limb, whereas a brace is intended to protect and support the limb. The Richie Brace offers a hybrid option.
Richie Brace – KevinRoot Medical
The Richie Brace is designed to treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions that require stabilization and support. The indications include:
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)
- Stages I and II: To support the collapsing arch and reduce strain on the posterior tibial tendon.
- Early Stage III: To provide stability and slow progression of deformity.
- Foot Drop
- Provides dorsiflexion assistance for patients with weakness or paralysis of the anterior tibialis muscle, often due to neurological conditions such as:
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
- Peripheral nerve injury
- Chronic Ankle Instability
- For patients with frequent ankle sprains or weak ligaments causing ankle instability.
- Peroneal Tendon Injuries
- Stabilizes the ankle and reduces stress on the peroneal tendons to allow healing.
- Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle
- Provides support for degenerative joint conditions such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Severe Flatfoot (Adult-Acquired Flatfoot)
- Helps manage cases where the medial arch collapses significantly and requires mechanical support to realign the foot and reduce pain.
- Charcot Foot
- In early stages, it stabilizes the foot to prevent deformity and reduce stress on weakened bones and joints.
- Plantar Fasciitis (Chronic or Severe Cases)
- Particularly for cases accompanied by moderate to severe overpronation or unstable foot mechanics.
- Post-Surgical or Injury Recovery
- Used after surgical procedures or trauma involving the foot or ankle to provide support during rehabilitation.
- Other Indications
- Medial or lateral ankle instability.
- Severe pronation or supination deformities.
- Tendon ruptures or dysfunctions (e.g., Achilles tendon dysfunction).
Contraindications
The Richie Brace may not be suitable for:
- Rigid deformities or advanced structural issues (e.g., Stage IV PTTD or fixed Charcot deformity, neuropathy).
- Severe swelling or ulcers that might be aggravated by the brace.
- Patients unable to tolerate the weight or bulk of the brace.
The Richie Brace provides a customizable solution for various foot and ankle issues, and its prescription should be based on a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional.
