Sports put a lot of stress on the foot and ankle. Sometimes, these demands can lead to injuries in athletes. Orthotic devices can make a big difference in an athlete’s performance.

What Is an Orthotic Device?

Orthotics are medical devices used to support and align the foot while also correcting  foot deformities. Orthotics provide cushion for impact on hard surfaces and relieve the pressure by providing support behind a problem area such as a callous, bunion or wart. In addition, orthotics provide support in cases of flatfoot or over-pronation. The three basic types of orthotics include:

• Soft: Used for temporary cushioning and padding.
• Semi-flexible: Athletes prefer these because they are permanent; they are more giving than rigid orthotics and less prone to blisters.
• Rigid: Usually not tolerated by athletes. Most orthopaedic and sports medicine doctors say athletes should avoid wearing rigid or hard orthotics because they are unforgiving and may contribute to foot problems.

Types of Orthotics:

• Over-the-counter: These are made from common materials such as silicon, rubber, or polyethylene. They include felt pads, metatarsal pads, and heel wedges; the differences are related to durability and cushioning abilities.
• Custom and molded: These are used in circumstances when over-the-counter types don’t work. Chiropractors, sports medicine and orthopaedic practitioners can custom-make them based on your specific foot problem.

Uses of Orthotics:

• Runners and joggers wear orthotics to help absorb the shock of impact when their feet hit the ground while also helping the forefoot with pushoff.
• Sprinters use them to control the movement of their forefoot.
• Cyclists have a limited use for them, and mostly use them to control the internal and external rotation of the leg.
• Skiers wear them for stabilization of their foot and inhibit motion within t he ski boot.
• Tennis players use them for lateral support and to absorb shock.
• Basketball players use them to control the forefoot before jumping and to control the rear foot while running.

Limits of Orthotics:

• Not useful for all diagnoses;
• Watch out for categorized orthotics that label the patient and take away their choice;
• Don’t wear hard, rigid orthotics because they can be unforgiving to the feet and lead to foot problems, such as stress fractures and increased energy consumption in athletes; and
• The proper shoe selection and fit may eliminate the need altogether for orthotic devices.

Source: The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.