Sports deliver physical, mental, and social benefits. However, they also put you at risk of sports-related injuries.
The board-certified podiatrists at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers in Arlington and Mansfield, Texas, are experts in managing foot-related sports injuries, from ankle sprains to shin splints. That often means custom orthotics.
Custom orthotics are a crucial defense against sports injuries, offering your feet support, realignment, and targeted cushioning, especially in sports with high-impact demands.
In this blog, our team breaks down how custom orthotics work and the benefits they offer athletes.
Custom orthotics are shoe inserts designed to correct deformities or improve the function of the legs, feet, and hips.
Proper foot and leg alignment can help distribute forces more evenly and reduce the risk of an overuse injury.
One-size-fits-all shoe inserts are available over the counter. They may offer some cushioning and other benefits but can’t compare to custom orthotics designed for your unique gait and feet.
Custom orthotics provide individualized support, addressing issues such as overpronation or underpronation. By stabilizing the feet, orthotics ensure optimal biomechanics, reducing the risk of injuries caused by improper foot mechanics.
Proper alignment is crucial to athletic performance. Custom orthotics help align your feet, ankles, and legs, delivering a sound biomechanical foundation. This realignment enhances performance while mitigating your risk of injuries.
Sports such as running, basketball, and soccer that involve repetitive high-impact movement can cause fatigue and stress in the musculoskeletal system.
Custom orthotics offer targeted cushioning to absorb shock and reduce stress on vulnerable areas like the knees and lower back, contributing to injury prevention.
Orthotics can help prevent and manage many common sports injuries. These include:
Plantar fasciitis is among the most common foot injuries, especially among runners and athletes who engage in high-impact activities.
Achilles tendonitis commonly arises from excessive use or incorrect foot mechanics during exercise. This condition leads to inflammation of the Achilles tendon that links the calf muscles to the heel.
Orthotics can alleviate the strain by supporting the heel and ensuring proper foot alignment, thereby minimizing stress on the tendon.
Shin splints develop when there’s too much stress on the shinbone, often caused by repetitive running or jumping. This pain is widespread in athletes who don’t wear the proper footwear.
Orthotics can cushion the arch, helping absorb shock and prevent shin splints from worsening.
Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone typically resulting from repetitive stress or excessive strain. Athletes involved in high-impact activities are particularly vulnerable to these types of injuries.
Orthotics play a crucial role by redistributing pressure and absorbing shock, reducing the risk of stress fractures.
Runner’s knee is a condition in which the cartilage under the kneecap becomes irritated due to improper alignment or overuse. It’s especially common in athletes who run long distances.
Whether you’re suffering from a sports-related foot injury or seeking to prevent one, contact the Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers location near you by phone or online today to learn whether custom orthotics are right for you.
