Custom orthotics are adaptable to a variety of situations. Technological advances, in particular, have made it possible for podiatrists to offer foot orthoses that are specifically designed for sports.
Learn more about sports orthotics to get the best out of them in your everyday life. Can you play sports with foot orthoses?
Foot orthoses for athletes: treating a wide range of pathologies
Podiatrists often find themselves treating athletes who struggle with persistent foot pain and injuries. These pathologies include:
- Plantar fasciitis;
- Achilles tendinitis;
- Metatarsalgia;
- Stress fractures.
Foot orthoses designed for athletes effectively improve your movements, adapt to the shape of your feet, and give them more support.
Sometimes your sports-related pain may be recurrent because of the biomechanical issues that affect your feet. To prevent your injuries from getting worse, you should see a podiatrist to get the best diagnosis. They will be able to provide you with custom orthotics adapted to your athletic needs.
Many advantages for those who stay active
Not only do custom foot orthoses for sports support your feet and reduce pain, but they also enhance your athletic performance:
- By conforming to the shape of your feet;
- By reducing your muscle tension;
- By giving you more stability;
- By improving your balance;
- By increasing the propulsion of your feet;
- By absorbing shock;
- By improving your muscle resistance.
Furthermore, these orthotics are made of a breathable material to counteract moisture and a propulsive material in the forefoot. As a result, you benefit from smoother movements and dry feet!
With features like these, athletic orthoses strengthen the foot and help active people stay fit in comfort. However, this type of equipment requires a period of acclimatization for the athlete.
How to get used to wearing foot orthoses for sports?
When your podiatrist prescribes foot orthoses for sports, it is important to start wearing them gradually.
In fact, these custom orthoses can actually cause some discomfort in the first few days. This is due to the fact that your body has to adjust its posture to adapt to the new alignment of your feet.
As a result, you may feel a little stiff or experience pressure in the arch of your foot at first. However, if you follow your podiatrist’s instructions, you will get used to it in no time!
Learn how to get used to wearing sports foot orthoses:
- For starters, wear your orthotics for only an hour a day. And, most importantly, wait before using them for sports.
- Add another hour every day until you are completely used to your foot orthoses.
- If you experience significant discomfort, remove your insoles from your shoes for the day. Consult your podiatrist if you are experiencing pain that is interfering with your daily life.
- Do exercises, if necessary, to make your feet more receptive to the insoles. The podiatrist can suggest the best exercises depending on your needs.
- After about 2 to 4 weeks, you should be able to gradually incorporate your insoles into your athletic activities.
The step-by-step process of making foot orthoses for sports
To get fully customized orthoses for your feet, the podiatrist will proceed with the following steps:
- Biomechanical exam;
- Taking of impressions of your feet;
- Creating 2D and 3D models of your feet;
- Podography;
- Selecting the materials and the shape of the orthoses;
- The fabrication;
- Fitting the orthoses into your footwear.
Visit a podiatrist to get the right orthotic insoles for you.
PiedReseau: active podiatrists who understand athletes’ reality
At PiedReseau, we know just how much athletes depend on being active on a regular basis. That’s why we offer personalized care so you can train without injury.
Make an appointment at one of our many clinics across Quebec to get moving worry-free.
