Orthotic is defined as any device or instrument that is used to support position and prevent deformities of the foot. It also helps in improving the performance of the feet. In short, it is a shoe insert that helps recover deformities in the foot and let area. Many devices such as shoe inlays, shock reducing insoles, heel cushions, and silicon pads are considered as orthotics. While thinking of orthotics, it is important to have a prescription from the doctor to avoid injuries or harm. One of their categories is running orthotics that are often prescribed to sports people and athletes.
Use of Orthotics by Runners
Running Orthotics are often prescribed by podiatrists. Injury in sports causes trauma in the muscular tissues and might to lead to pain in joints, bones and ligaments. The use of these orthotics can help to support the vulnerable body parts and ligaments. Not all runners require orthotics, but those facing problems in their legs and foot should definitely use them to support their health.
Types of Orthotics
- Rigid/ Functional Orthotics: Rigid orthotics are made of plastic or carbon fiber. It was invented to help reduce foot aches, strain, pain in the leg or even lower back pain.
- Accommodative Orthotics: A soft pad of gauze material is used to make this device. This running orthotics are usually recommended for diabetics and also at times to heavy individuals. It is highly comfortable and has a cushion like texture. You can also find custom-made orthotics for different sports.
- Foot logics Sports: When talking about running orthotics, Foot Logic Sports are considered the perfect types. It has a firm support that provides bio mechanic features to the runner. It is highly comfortable and best suited for runners and sports players.
Benefits of Running with Orthotics
Orthotics are often used by runners to cure heel pain. Here are a few benefits of orthotics for runners.
- Improves extreme pronation and walking abnormality: Pronating while running or walking can cause appalling knee conditions. It also makes you more vulnerable to develop planter fasciitis and stress fractures. However, orthotics can help you resolve and heal gait abnormality.
- Can help you with positioning: Running Orthotics not just help you to stabilize and position your legs and feet, but also help in aligning your entire body. It helps your body to move harmoniously when you strike the feet on the ground.
- Improves posture: Healing of gait abnormality and positioning is possible with orthotics. Even wrong posture can lead to pain and awful body aches. Using the right orthotics for your feet can help you overcome and heal your entire body pain.
Precautionary Measures
Whether struggling through joint pain or no, getting the right orthotics can help you prevent any undesirable pain in future.
Choosing the Best Orthotics for Runners
Orthotics for runners come in a wide variety, however one must consult a podiatrist to get the perfect orthotics inserts. Here are few things you must keep in mind while getting the orthotics:
- Test if the orthotics is compressive: Running Orthotics must be compressive. Soft compressive orthotics for runners is considered comfortable and helpful for runners.
- Pick an insert with Fascia Bar Technology: Fascia Bar orthotics insert is a must for all runners. It has the best features to support the ligaments of the runner.
- Check out full length inserts: While half-length inserts might skid and move inside the shoes making the runner very uncomfortable, having a full- length orthotics inserts will cover the shoe completely and make it more comfortable.
If you are a professional runner, getting customized running orthotics can be your way to go. Even though customized orthotics can cost more, it can provide you with the insert that will be a perfect help for your body.
