Athletes demand a lot from their bodies, but no part takes more of a beating than the feet. Whether you’re a runner pounding the pavement, a basketball player making sharp cuts, or a soccer player sprinting on cleats, the unique forces of your sport put incredible stress on your foot and ankle structure. And while many athletes turn to over-the-counter inserts for relief, they often find it’s not enough. That’s because a generic solution can’t address a specific problem.
True support and injury prevention come from a solution as unique as your stride: custom orthotics. In this guide, Wayne Foot & Ankle explores why different athletes need different kinds of support and how a custom orthotic is the ultimate piece of performance gear.
Meet the Runner with Nagging Heel Pain
The Challenge: A long-distance runner’s primary challenge is managing the thousands of repetitive, high-impact strikes that occur with every mile.
- This often leads to overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and Achilles tendonitis, especially if they have an underlying biomechanical issue like flat feet or overpronation.
Why Custom Orthotics are the Solution: Unlike a generic cushioned insert, a custom orthotic for a runner is designed to correct their specific gait abnormality.
- By taking a 3D scan of the foot, a podiatrist can create a device that controls overpronation, properly supports the arch through the entire gait cycle, and reduces the strain on the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon.
- This leads to a more efficient stride and a significant reduction in the risk of overuse injuries.
Meet the Court Sport Athlete with Ankle Instability
The Challenge: For a basketball or tennis player, the game is all about quick, explosive, side-to-side movements.
- These lateral cuts and pivots put immense stress on the ligaments of the ankle, leading to frequent ankle sprains and a feeling of instability.
Why Custom Orthotics are the Solution: A custom orthotic for a court athlete is built for stability.
- It can feature a deep heel cup and specific postings that act like a rudder, helping to prevent the foot from rolling outward.
- By providing this foundational stability, the orthotic reduces the strain on the ankle ligaments, giving the athlete the confidence to make sharp, powerful cuts without fear of injury.
Meet the Field Sport Athlete with Forefoot Pain
The Challenge: A soccer or football player spends their time in cleats, which have very little cushioning and force pressure on the ball of the foot.
- This, combined with sprinting and kicking, can lead to painful conditions like metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot) or even stress fractures.
Why Custom Orthotics are the Solution: Custom orthotics for cleated sports are specially designed to fit in the tight confines of the shoe while providing critical support.
- They can be crafted with metatarsal pads to offload pressure from the ball of the foot and can be made from durable, lightweight materials like carbon fiber to provide support without adding bulk.
- This helps to distribute pressure more evenly across the foot, protecting the delicate bones and joints of the forefoot.
Your Ultimate Piece of Protective Gear
Are you an athlete dealing with persistent pain or looking to gain a competitive edge? A professional biomechanical evaluation is your next step, and we’re here to help!
Questions? Concerns? Dr. Lindsey Calligaro at Wayne Foot & Ankle Center is happy to assist. Our team has the tools, techniques, and proven expertise to treat your feet. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
