Running and sports injuries – how Orthotics help?

How can Orthotics help running related injuries?

Running has become an increasingly popular form of physical activity in recent years and is how many individuals engage in exercise on a regular basis. This is largely because running is one of the most accessible sports in the world and does not require a certain level of physical ability and is a low-cost exercise option.

However, this means that if you are a runner, your feet will take a pounding. The harsh forces that your feet are exposed to during a run can take its toll and lead to injuries. With that in mind, running Orthotics are becoming increasingly popular amongst runners, to help correct skeletal misalignment in the feet and ease aches and pains. So, here is everything you need to know about Orthotics and how they can help prevent and ease running related injuries.

Running related injuries

Engaging in regular forms of physical activity, such as running, is crucial for your overall health and wellbeing. For example, running helps reduce your risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, despite the health benefits, running regularly can lead to lower limb injuries. With the increased popularity of running comes with it an increased risk of injury. Research has found that running related injuries in the lower extremity can be as high as 92.4% [1]. Most commonly these running related injuries occur around the knee and feet. But it can also cause conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinitis. However, this does not mean that you should stop running altogether and instead there are other options available to you, such as the use of orthotic insoles for running.

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are insole inserts for your shoes that help to prevent and treat a range of different foot conditions. Orthotics can be prescribed by doctors as a form of treatment, but it is important to note that everyone can benefit from Orthotics. Even if you do not currently have any foot deformities and conditions, they can still offer your feet the support they need. One of the reasons why Orthotic insoles for runners are so popular is because runner’s feet are exposed to hard surfaces which can cause misalignment. Our feet are naturally designed to walk on soft surfaces, such as sand, and Orthotics allow you to recreate these types of surfaces and limit the damage caused by flat, hard pavements and roads.

Therefore, by wearing Orthotics for running, you can stay comfortable while being active and doing the things you love. Here at Ease the Feet, we have a range of Orthotics available to suit a range of needs. For example, we have Orthotics with metatarsal support for those with arch pain or Metatarsalgia. From Orthotics designed specially to ease the pain and discomfort that comes from plantar fasciitis and high arches to Orthotics for running. We also offer some customizable Orthotics that offer personalised comfort by alleviating specific pressure points using removable gel pods in areas that are experiencing discomfort. This allows you to take control of the pain you are experiencing and to get comfort tailored to you.

Do Orthotics work?

While insoles for runners are becoming increasingly popular amongst the running community you may still be left wondering- “do they work?”. Insoles for runners are effective as they can offer the additional support and protection that our feet need to reduce and ease running related injuries. Research carried out by Ampat and team found that runners who wore Orthotics had a reduced injury rate than the runners who didn’t wear Orthotics. Additionally, the study identified that the runners who wore the Orthotics showed an improvement in comfort compared to those who did not [2].

This shows that by wearing our Orthotic insoles for running you can protect your feet, reduce the negative impact that running can have on your feet, and treat any pre-existing foot conditions that may get in the way of you regularly engaging in physical activity.

References

1. van Gent RN, Siem D, van Middelkoop M, van Os AG, Bierma-Zeinstra SM, Koes BW. Incidence and determinants of lower extremity running injuries in long distance runners: a systematic review. Br J Sports Med. 2007;41(8):469-480. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2006.033548
2. Ampat G, Baxter R and Geoghegan F. Pedobarograph based prefabricated orthotics reduces self reported minor injuries and improves comfort whilst running. MOJ Orthopedics & Rheumatology Vol 12, No 12 (2020) Corpus ID: 212604645