How Custom Orthotics Can Prevent Sports Injuries

Because athletes put their bodies through a lot, they often hurt their feet and ankles in ways that can make them less effective and require a lot of recovery time. Custom supports for the feet and ankles are becoming an important way to treat and stop these common injuries, which helps players stay on top of their game.

These are some of the most common foot and ankle problems and how custom orthotics can help…

Common Foot and Ankle Injuries for Athletes

Tears In the Ankles

• Causes: Quick turns, spins, or landings that aren’t right.
• Signs And Symptoms: Includes pain, stiffness, and trouble putting weight on the foot that is hurt.
• Prevention/Management: Custom orthotics give your feet stability and support, which lowers your risk of spraining your ankles when you move quickly.

Plantar Fasciitis

• Causes: Overuse, not enough hip support, or wearing the wrong shoes are the main causes.
• Signs And Symptoms: Pain in the heel, especially in the morning or after being still for a while.
• Prevention/Management: Custom insoles support the arch in a way that takes the pressure off the plantar fascia and stops pain.

Achilles Tendonitis

• Causes: The Achilles tendon is being stressed over and over again.
• Signs And Symptoms: The tendon hurts, feels stiff, and swells up.
• Prevention/Management: Custom insoles with the right heel support take the stress off of the tendon, which helps with both prevention and recovery.

Stress Fracture

• Causes: Too much exercise, repeated collisions, or a quick rise in activity.
• Signs And Symptoms: Pain when moving, soreness, and swelling are some of the symptoms.
• Prevention/Management: Orthotics that absorb shock better can lower contact forces, which lowers the chance of stress fractures.

How Custom Orthotics Can Help You Get Over Injuries?

• Because custom orthotics are made to fit each athlete’s foot structure and movements, they give support where it’s needed the most.
• Better padding in custom orthotics reduces pressure, lowering stress on joints and the risk of injuries like shin splints and stress fractures.
• Custom orthotics correct errors in foot motion and promote proper posture, which lowers the risk of accidents linked to overpronation or supination.
• Athletes have better flexibility, stamina, and general foot comfort, which means they do better on the court or field.

Getting custom orthotics is a smart move for athletes because it helps them avoid injuries and deal with common problems before they happen. Custom orthotics give them the support and comfort they need to deal with foot and joint problems that are common in sports and help them reach their physical goals with confidence. Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.