This is probably one we have lost!
The first reference to an “orthotic” that I can remember was in Jim Fixx’s
book The Joy of Running (late 70s) which described a foot orthoses for
Morton’s Toe as an “orthotic”. I cringed when I read it then, but have become
complacent to it since.
This book was widly read and the uninformed became “informed”. What really
gripes me is when professionals who should know better use the term
improperly. I get many prescriptions for “orthotics” which usually refer to
FOs. The other devices are usually referred to as “braces”!
There have been many bastardizations of english that have become common terms.
One of my favorite (peeves) is the use of the word “video” as used in “I
rented a video”. Or how about “I put a sattilite” in my back yard for TV
reception.
“Fight the battles we can win.”
Ron Kidd CPO
“designer and fitter of prostheses and orthoses”
“renter of video tapes”
“owner of a sattilite dish antenna”
