A top athlete needs drive, focus, and dedication. These are intangible qualities that come from within. But your physical equipment also makes a big difference in your sports performance. That includes custom-designed shoe inserts known as orthotics.
How could orthotics benefit you? Expert podiatrist Dr. Leonard Greenwald provides orthotics from his practice in San Jose, California. Here are four reasons Dr. Greenwald may recommend you consider investing in custom orthotics.
No matter what sport you play, peak performance requires effort from your whole body, with every part working together flawlessly.
You need your musculoskeletal system to be aligned, limber, and ready to move when the time comes. If there are any underlying issues with your physical biomechanics, it could hold you back in your sport.
Orthotic inserts ideally position your feet, ankles, and lower body for athletic activity and achievement, preventing overpronation or underpronation. Your custom orthotics are tailored to the specific demands of your sport and optimize your biomechanics for an ideal gait cycle with plenty of agility.
Working from a strong foundation, you can reach performance levels that previously may have seemed out of range. Orthotics allow you to optimize your biomechanics and fine-tune your game.
Running, jumping, and other strenuous physical activities put a lot of pressure on your feet and ankles. Foot injuries are some of the most common sports injuries, and you don’t want your sport to leave you limping.
If you experience foot pain or fatigue after an intense practice, workout, or competition, custom orthotics could be what you need. With the right support for areas of your foot, such as your heels and arches, you’re demanding less from your feet and ankles, which means you can demand more from yourself.
Dr. Greenwald customizes your orthotics to your unique foot shape, stride, and stance, so you receive every possible bit of benefit.
Many sports injuries result from improper foot positioning or loss of stability during movement. Orthotics boost your stability and balance, protecting you from accidents and sports injuries.
You’re less likely to fall or develop a stress injury, such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or stress fractures, when you have the right shoe inserts in place for targeted support.
Your inserts also help stabilize your foot during movement, reducing the risk of supination or overextension. Using orthotics can significantly lower your overall risk of injury.
Many sports involve rapid lateral movements and high-impact moments, especially sports that include high-speed running or jumping. To protect your joints, consider the cushioning and shock absorption benefits of sports orthotics.
Specialized materials like gel and foam provide cushioning support where you need it most, absorbing forces that would otherwise jar and stress your joints and bones, including those in your ankles, knees, and hips.
This support relieves post-exertion discomfort as soon as you start using your orthotics and also helps your body manage repeated stress over time.
To start creating your one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art sports orthotics, contact Dr. Greenwald online or over the phone today to schedule your initial consultation.
