Diabetes, Foot Care - Glossary

Glossary

Orthotics: Orthotics is a branch of medicine, where artificial devices are used to support weak limbs and joints.

Prosthetics: Prosthetic is the process of replacing the damaged organs by creating artifical limbs of the desired shape and size with which the patient can again lead a normal life to a large extent.

Hammer Toes: This is a deformity that causes the toes to bend due to an imbalance in the muscles, tendons or ligaments.

Charcot Foot/Joint: One or both feet and ankles become numb, the bones become weak and break due to leg numbness and the person would not know even if something is wrong with his/her leg.

Rocker Bottom Shoe or Rocker Sole Shoe: This type of shoe is much thicker than the usual shoe. There is a round heel-shaped base and the shoes are designed to support the lost function of the joint. These rocker bottom shoes are also used to compensate for lost range of motion, allowing the wearer to have a solid and stable foot when standing, making walking easy and causing less pain to the affected joints.