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Setting Orthotics Treatment Goals

Durrett’s Orthotics & Prosthetics • August 10, 2022

When you receive a new orthotic device, you’ll have many goals you hope to meet with the device. Some of these goals will be immediate and others will address long-term quality of life concerns. When setting goals, it’s helpful to have specific and measurable outcomes. Our team at Durrett’s Orthotics and Prosthetics can help you create a specific plan with clear timelines to ensure you’re making the progress you want in a healthy way for your specific needs and circumstances.

Orthotics treatment goals, improving physical function with custom orthotic devices near Edgewood, Kentucky (KY)

Tracking Your Progress

Imagine being asked to build a house without having the list of steps necessary to complete the task. That’s what setting goals is like. We suggest making your long-term goals first so you can break the goals down into smaller steps. You’re much more likely to achieve goals if they aren’t overwhelming.

Using a spreadsheet or chart is the easiest way to list the short-term steps you need to take to accomplish larger, long-term goals. As you adjust to living your life with an orthotic device, crossing these smaller milestones off can be incredibly empowering and motivating. This tracking method will also help you assess your strengths and weaknesses and make the determination to change up your plan if needed. Don’t be discouraged if you must alter your plan for your goals. The important part is meeting the goals—how you get there matters much less.

Long-Term Goals

When you are using an orthotic device, you’ll usually require medical testing to ensure you are making progress towards meeting these goals. Correcting the condition for which the orthotic is being used to treat should always be at the top of your list of priorities. Get started by mapping out the specific functions you want to regain or the primary goal for your orthotics, such as feeling less pain during the day. Always make sure you’re addressing your specific needs with your specialist.

Short-Term Goals

One of the most frequent immediate goals to set is to improve your quality of life in a measurable way. Other short-term goals often include learning proper use and care of your orthotic device. The next step in this journey is to break down your remaining long-term goals into smaller, manageable steps. If your goals include improving your hand function, you can set a small goal in place, such as typing on a computer or holding silverware. If your orthotic is for a knee or foot condition, you can set a goal to walk a little farther each week. Goals don’t have to be grandiose for them to make sense and matter. As long as you’re making progress, you’re moving in the right direction.

Contact Us

Our team at Durrett’s Orthotics and Prosthetics is committed to helping you live your best life after an amputation or while using orthotics. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for an evaluation or measurements. For your convenience, we have pertinent patient information available on our website. Our spacious and comfortable facility is located in Edgewood, KY. We also provide service to the areas of Erlanger, Florence, Covington, Fort Thomas, Union, Walton, Edgewood, Oakbrook, Taylorsport, Fort Mitchell, Hebron, Beaverlick, Burlington, Belleview, Independence, Newport, Verona, Elsmere, KY; Cincinnati, OH; and Lawrenceburg, Indiana.