Why Different Athletes Experience Different Benefits From Orthotics

Published October 20, 2021.

Even though each human body's anatomy and physiology are the same, they are all intricately different in physicality, functionality, and other aspects.
Every sport differs in the type of stress they put on the feet, which is why every athlete is different and will receive various benefits from the use of orthotics.
Different Benefits That Athletes Experience From Custom-Made Orthotics
Benefits of Insoles for Golfers
- Gives added support to the feet.
- Helps in correcting altered foot biomechanics that affect the swing technique, which often happens due to over-pronated or supinated feet.
- Helps achieve a good posture in your spine, feet, ankle, and lower body.
- Golfers experience a lot of foot fatigue due to the high demand of the game, and insoles help relieve the pressure on the soles and reduce pain during the progression of the game.
- They assist in giving optimum comfort.
Benefits of Insoles for Runners
- Provides shock absorption during heel contact and prepares the body for the next phase of push-off.
- Helps in athletic conditioning.
- Prevents any blisters that form from the friction of the shoes against the sole and the feet.
All these factors may prevent and reduce the risk of running-related injuries and the pain of existing conditions.
Benefits of Insoles for Football Players
- Helps in channeling more power and energy into each kick.
- Assists in dealing with and preventing any football injuries to the ankle and foot.
- Shock absorption during impact on the feet.
All of these factors can lead to improved performance on the field.
Benefits of Insoles for Basketball players
- Reduces the high impact on the feet due to the extra cushioning and shock absorption.
- Reduces and prevents strain on the feet.
- Promotes balance by improving stability and comfort.
- Reduces muscle fatigue.
Benefits of Insoles for Tennis Players
Benefits of Insoles for Power-Walkers
Benefits of Insoles for Weightlifters
These factors reduce the risk of strain on the other parts of your body like knees, back, and hips, thus preventing and reducing aches and pains.
Benefits of Insoles for Multi-Sport
- Improves and supports foot function by combining the unique shape of your feet with layers of cushioning material to reduce injuries from excessive impact.
- Helps in combatting the various stresses placed on the body.
- Protects your feet due to the combined technology of custom-made designs with sport-specific materials.
Benefits of Insoles for Cyclists
- Improves stability.
- Helps improve power transfer and comfort while pedaling.
- Increases efficiency due to the optimal support and cushioning at the required places.
Do Different Athletes Need Different Orthotics?
Different athletes do need different orthotics according to the sport they play, the altered foot mechanic they may have, and the history of previous injuries with the susceptibility to more future injuries. Considering all of the above, orthotics are completely individualized to a particular athlete playing a particular sport. For instance, high-impact activities need orthotics with excellent cushioning and shock absorption, whereas low impact and prolonged strain activities need orthotics with good arch support.
When Should You Purchase Orthotics for Exercise?
To end this article, I would highly suggest that you go ahead and purchase a custom-made orthotic before starting any form of sport and exercise.
Athletes who are starting out a new sport for the first time, and can afford the cost, should definitely purchase orthotics to prevent injuries and discomfort that may happen.
Individuals going through foot pain, knee pain, and lower back pain may need foot support to deal with pressure on joints and muscles. They should purchase orthotics as they will aid in recovery along with other conservative treatments.
Additionally, it also depends upon the frequency of the sport and exercise. Hence, I would urge individuals who are highly and frequently involved in physical activities to go for an orthotic as a curative and preventative measure.