What is an example of a preventive orthotic?

A preventive orthotic is designed to prevent injury or deformity before it occurs, rather than to treat a pre-existing condition. In this context, a custom insole for individuals with high foot arches acts as a preventive measure by providing appropriate support and alignment to the feet. This type of orthotic helps to distribute weight evenly and can mitigate the risk of developing conditions associated with high arches, such as excessive tension on the plantar fascia or ankle instability.

The other options do not primarily serve a preventive function. A knee brace for athletes is often used during activities to offer support or protection after an injury has occurred or to prevent reinjury; however, its primary use is in response to existing conditions rather than as a preventive measure. A rigid ankle-foot orthosis for stroke patients is intended to assist with mobility and stability for individuals who have already experienced neurological impairment, making it a treatment orthotic rather than a preventive one. An arch support for flat feet may help alleviate symptoms caused by existing flatfoot deformity, but it does not serve a preventive role in the same way that a custom insole for high arches does.