Find out why custom orthotics could improve your athletic performance.

If you are an athlete, you have to agree that your feet are an important part of your performance. And they certainly take a lot of abuse day in and day out. If you want to be good to your feet and protect them from potential issues in the future, it might be time to talk to our Port Washington podiatrist Dr. Arthur Kaplan about orthotics.

Custom orthotics can be a valuable way to prevent injuries in athletes, but it’s also important to decide when they need to be used and what kind of orthotics would benefit the athlete. While they aren’t a cure-all, custom orthotics can provide the support, stability and shock absorption than many runners and other athletes could benefit from.

While orthotics can often provide enough support for the feet and ankles to actually prevent injuries they are also great for relieving certain injuries including:

• Plantar fasciitis (which causes heel pain)
• Shin splints
• Tendon pain
• Ankle pain
• Arch pain

These are all problems that getting custom orthotics from our Port Washington foot doctor can help correct. Also, the structure of your foot will also determine which kind of custom orthotics is right for you.

Rigid orthotics: These are often best used on athletes who suffer from flat feet, because it can take unnecessary pressure off certain areas of the foot.

Soft orthotics: These are usually more beneficial for patients dealing with plantar fasciitis or high arches. With plantar fasciitis, orthotics can take pressure off the fascia and give it time to actually heal properly.

If you currently have an injury, but aren’t experiencing any pain during your typical activities, custom orthotics may only be needed when you are training. Even though orthotics can be ideal support, over time the foot muscles may become a bit weaker. To prevent this from happening, you’ll want to perform strengthening exercises every day (this is something that even non-orthotics wearers should do to promote better foot health and prevent injury).

Are you ready to get orthotics in Port Washington? Dr. Kaplan can help. Call NY Sports Podiatry today to schedule your consultation.