What Are the Major Differences Between Sports Orthotics & General Orthotics?

Arthritis, back pain, hammer toes, and diabetes are some of the common reasons that may require one to wear orthotics. However, did you know those who indulge in sports need to wear different types of orthotics?

For a layman, it may be hard to understand what distinguishes sports orthotics and general orthotics. To clear this confusion, we have described the major differences between these two types of orthotics in this article.

Continue reading to know more:

What are Orthotics?

To put it simply, orthotics are special shoes that are custom-made specifically for the wearer. These shoes are prescribed by the doctor depending on various factors, with the most important being the reason they need an orthotic. In most cases, orthotics are prescribed to treat back, leg, or foot problems.

What are Sports Orthotics?

Sports orthotics, as the name suggests, are insoles for those who regularly indulge in sports. They are tailored keeping in mind their particular sports-related needs. For example, running shoes are different from football boots, etc. Mostly, they are full-length devices that come with an added element of flexibility. The purpose is to provide the wearer comfort during their physical activities.

Major Differences Between Sports Orthotics and Standard Orthotics

Sports orthotics is basically a type or subdivision of orthotics. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that make them different:

• While ordinary or standard orthotics can be worn for certain physical activities, they cannot support different sports. This is why players are recommended to wear custom-made adapted orthotics that are made taking into the sports they play.
• This is also due to the fact that playing sports demand different movement of our feet as compared to when we are walking. Sports orthotics offer this precise support. Furthermore, they also differ in terms of build and flexibility.
• Standard orthotics, on the other hand, can be used in an array of shoes. You can consider a more slimline device that’s either flexible or rigid, depending on the foot type of the wearer.

Signs You Need to Wear Orthotics

Now that you have understood the difference between both the terms, let’s find out how would you know that you need to wear orthotics:

You Have a Sports Injury

This one’s pretty self-explanatory. A sports injury on your foot, ankle, or lower limb can impact the way you put pressure on your feet. Resultantly, you may not be able to walk or carry out your routine activities properly. Wearing sports orthotics can prove to be beneficial in this regard. However, you would need proper sports orthotic care to heal properly.

Another thing you need to know is that even if the injury isn’t sports-related, you can still get orthotics for yourself.

Your Job Nature

If your job requires you to stand for over five hours in a day, you can benefit from wearing orthotics. Basically, when you stand on your feet for an extended prior, you become more likely to suffer from plantar fasciitis. It is basically an injury caused to the plantar fascia, which is a ligament on the foot’s base and extends to toes from the heel.

When you wear orthotics, the stress placed exerted on the feet gets reduced. Therefore, there’s a reduced risk of suffering from the plantar fascia.

Worn Out Shoes

Many people don’t actually take this sign into account since our shoes are prone to wear out with the passage of time. However, taking a close look at them can help you identify if you need orthotics.

For example, by closely looking at your shoes tread, if you notice that one side is worn out more as compared to the other, you may need orthotics because there’s a chance that you suffer from pronating or supinating. The former is a condition in which the foot rolls inward, while in the latter, it turns outward. Orthotics can benefit you in both these conditions.

You Have High or Low Arch

Both high and low arch in your foot can cause pain and discomfort. People who have either high or low arches need more support from their shoes, which regular shoes are unable to provide. This is where orthotics can come in handy.

Pain in the Foot or Heel

Many people, thinking of it as a result of wearing heels or standing for too long, disregard foot pain believing it will heal on its own. While it can heal in due time in some cases, there’s an actual possibility of the pain arising due to plantar fasciitis. And as stated above, wearing orthotics can help treat this issue.

Wrap Up

To sum it up, be it sports or ordinary orthotics, you can greatly benefit from it provided you are getting them custom-made from a reliable place. In addition, the recovery period can be even smoother for you if you are getting orthotic care from a reputable place. And for this, you can trust Advance Care. We have a team of highly professional and skilled doctors who can help you manage all the aforementioned symptoms and get back on your feet, performing all your routine activities in no time.