Orthoses

Orthoses for running

Orthoses are used for runners with a history of overuse injuries and have excessive motion of the lower limb and foot.

The use of orthoses aims to change and control motion of the lower limb that may contribute to injuries.

Due to the repetitive nature of running and high loads, often small changes in motion can assist runners.

The practitioner and athlete have to be aware, that as individuals we all adapt to our own structure and function.

Changing a runner’s alignment with orthoses is specific and often needs to be  conservative due to the above, and can take time to be ideal. Orthoses that are flexible are always used for running.

There is a large variation among individuals to what type of device is most suitable and how much control is required. Runners adapt to their own individual alignment and many times the aim is to control only a percentage of excessive motion.

Orthoses are only one part of an athlete's management and prevention of injury. Other factors to address include training, technique and footwear.

Types of orthoses required can vary and more information can be downloaded from the Useful Info page.

Orthoses for tennis and multi-directional sports

Orthoses for cycling

Orthoses for skiing and snowboarding

Orthoses can be helpful for skiing and snowboarding to:

• maintain even pressure

• maintain foot alignment

• better control

The worst types of feet for skiing and snowboarding are those that are flexible, flat, and pronated.

Most of these feet will have consistent stretching and splaying causing pain across the forefoot or straining of the arch. These feet will have difficulty initiating a turn and maintaining stability on the inside ski edge.

The skier must internally rotate further while the knee moves inward to force pressure on the inside edge for control when the foot is pronated in the boot.

Foot orthoses can make the skier more efficient by keeping the feet well aligned, to allow more efficient weight transfer to the inside edge of the ski.

Thin orthoses of minimal bulk are often used for skiing and snowboard boots and are easily fitted.