Finest Orthotics for Sports and Athletes in Calgary
At Dalhousie Station Foot Clinic, we offer a number of orthotics for sport that Calgary athletes use to reduce muscle fatigue, avoid injury, and increase performance. With the number of sidelining sports-related injuries involving ankles, knees, and feet, custom orthotics have become an essential piece of equipment for many runners, joggers, cyclists, and other athletes. In fact, with the prevalence of these types of injuries, you'd be forgiven in thinking there must be a design flaw with the human form. After all, didn't our ancestors run down woolly mammoths while chucking spears into their sides on a near-daily basis?
Modern Footwear & Orthotics
So, what gives? Before "modern" footwear came about several hundred years ago, most humans walked in a flat-footed manner, striking the earth just behind the ball of the foot. This distributed force more evenly across the surface of the foot. Also, did you notice how we used the term earth? Grass, soil, sandy beaches — these have more "give" when feet strike the ground. So, hard surfaces, along with the modern gait, make "two strikes" against the modern athlete looking to avoid injury.
All Feet Are Not the Same
There is also the simple fact that not all of us are designed alike. Some of us have arched feet, wide feet, and other less common features that make it difficult to find footwear that will not contribute to an injury.
The answer is orthotics for sport. The Calgary podiatrists at Dalhousie Station Foot Clinic offer a number of solutions for running, cycling, ice hockey, skiing, field sports, golf, and others. Read on to learn more about how orthotics can help you, or give us a call today for an examination and orthotics fitting.
Orthotics for Runners, Joggers, and Power Walkers
Custom orthotics help align the body, starting at the point of impact (your feet). Orthotics can be useful in preventing muscle fatigue, improving balance, forming a more natural gait, and avoiding excess pronation (a condition that causes runners and joggers to bend their knees inward).
Getting in that run, jog, or walk may be hard, but it shouldn’t hurt. If you experience pain while engaging in these types of activities, contact Dalhousie Station Foot Clinic at any time.
Orthotics for Court Sports
Tennis, basketball, squash, badminton, volleyball, racquetball — all these sports played in courts can easily lead to foot, ankle, and knee injuries due to improper form and ill-fitting shoes. With custom sports orthotics, you not only have the chance to improve your game, but help prevent injury.
Orthotics for Field Sports
Field sports such as track and field, cross country, football, and baseball require fast reaction times. While you may be up for the challenge, your feet on the other hand may not be. Orthotics for field sports might just mean the difference from excelling at your sport, or landing on the injured reserve list.
Orthotics for Cyclists
The most common reason cyclists get orthotics is to address Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, a painful condition around the main shin bone caused by “rolling in” excessively (this is where the knees point inward). Unless you are experiencing pain in your feet, ankles, or shins, you likely will not have a need for orthotics. This is especially true for those who do road bicycle racing and lock their feet into place, effectively making the feet and pedals one mass.
So, Why Choose Orthotics for Sport?
When we walk, run, or jump on hard surfaces, such as pavements or a court, much of that force is dissipated — not into the surface — but through the ankles and joints. Sports shoes with thick-cushioned soles may give the impression of a softer walking surface, but only custom orthotics can correct issues regarding gait, uncommon foot sizes and features, as well as arched and flat feet.
Some of the primary benefits of custom orthotics include:
Tendonitis relief
Increased foot comfort
Muscle fatigue relief
Injury avoidance
Support for ankles
Improved posture and gait
Make custom orthotics a part of your game plan — call Dalhousie Station Foot Clinic today!
