For the professional chiropractor who tends to see a number of athletes, whether professional or novice, understanding the benefits of foot orthotics for various issues related to sports medicine can be a big benefit for patients and clients. Since most sports require intense use of the feet and ankles, conditions affecting the feet need to be evaluated and addressed for proper treatment.
One of the most common activities that brings patients into the office is running. Whether the complaint is pain in the lower pack, hip, or foot, the ability to evaluate the biomechanics of the feet can be quite valuable. If a dysfunction is pinpointed, custom foot orthotics can then be ordered to offer the necessary corrections.
For example, if a runner comes in complaining of heel pain, the chiropractor may be able to evaluate this patient and determine whether a condition such as plantar fasciitis is present. This condition involves symptoms that include pain and inflammation in the foot, specifically the heel.
In a scenario such as this one, the chiropractor would probably want to be able to offer his or her client foot orthotics to alleviate and correct the intense pain that is often connected to plantar fasciitis. This may mean foot orthotics that offer more support to the arch of the foot and extra cushioning for the heel.
This type of foot orthotic design helps to reduce pressure on the heel and distribute the shock that is absorbed by the foot in a more optimal manner.
Another common complaint of athletes is overpronation. When a person has feet that roll too far inward, it can affect the function of the entire body in a negative way, possibly creating postural problems and pain. For the athlete, the issue can be intensified due to the regular practice and playing of a sport. For example, a person who plays tennis every day is using his or her feet heavily, which means overpronation issues may be more likely to flare up.
In this instance, foot orthotics can be a great step toward alleviating pain and correcting posture and may be designed to provide greater stability at the inside of the foot, so that it cannot roll inward to an unhealthy degree.
