via livestrong.com
Whether you simply enjoy a daily walk or you’re a professional athlete, physical activities and sports can put an incredible strain on your bones, muscles and tendons. If your activity results in soreness or injury, orthotics may be used to alleviate the pain and correct the condition.
Definition
The medical field of orthotics is defined as the design, manufacture and application of orthopedic devices used to correct, or compensate for, mechanical parts of the body that are not functioning properly. Different types of devices, called orthoses, are used to restrict or assist movement, help rehabilitation from fractures or strains, correct function and shape (such as braces for scoliosis), and to guide or control movement in arms, legs or joints.
Foot Orthotics
Foot orthotics help reduce the stress and fatigue that sports activities place on feet. Orthotics may benefit all athletes by increasing agility, improving motion control, correcting body alignment and enhancing shock absorption. Specially designed shoe orthoses are also used to correct common problems like flat or high arches. Your body size and even the speed with which you run also influences the type of shoe support you may need. Look at the bottom of your shoes to see if they are worn evenly across the toe area. Even wear-and-tear indicates your gait is normal, but if they wear out too quickly or unevenly, then you may benefit from orthotics.
Athletic Braces
Orthotic braces replace cumbersome casts, or less supportive sports tape, to allow injured athletes to continue safely playing their sports. A combination of plastic and carbon is heated so that it becomes soft and can then be molded to fit each individual. This lightweight brace is comfortable, yet gives full protection — even to broken bones — allowing players to run, throw and fully participate while they heal.
Considerations
Generic orthotics designed to fit a specific shoe size are available over the counter at your local pharmacy. However, athletes experiencing pain or limited mobility should seek a consultation from a health professional specializing in orthotics. Professionals should do a complete exam to evaluate your posture, gait, overall movement and muscle strength. They should also rule out issues that may not be related to your feet but that impact your movement such as hip strength and core control. They will then develop a custom orthopedic appliance that should be a perfect fit for your individual problem.
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