Custom Orthotics: Helping Athletes Move Better, Feel Better

Are you an athlete experiencing foot pain that's slowing you down? You're not alone. Many athletes push their bodies to the limit, and sometimes that can lead to foot problems. In our practice, we have found custom orthotics can be a game-changer for many athletes, helping them move better and feel better…and helping support the foot with regards to endurance and longevity. 

Athletes put a lot of stress on their feet, making them prone to various injuries. Here's a quick rundown of some common issues:

• Ankle Sprains: The most frequent culprit, often caused by twisting and can leave you sore and swollen.
• Plantar Fasciitis: This painful heel condition arises from inflammation in the connective tissue running along the sole.
• Turf Toe: A sprain specific to the big toe joint, frequently seen in athletes playing on artificial turf.
• Stress Fractures: Tiny cracks in bones, common in runners and jumpers due to repetitive stress.
• Neuromas: Pinched nerves, often between toes, causing pain, burning, and numbness in runners and dancers who wear tight shoes.

What are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are shoe inserts specifically molded by Dr. Arya & designed to address your unique foot anatomy and biomechanics. At Arya Foot & Ankle, we conduct a comprehensive examination, including a gait analysis and foot mold to determine if orthotics are right for you. Arya Foot & Ankle is dedicated to getting you the right fit, literally! We do a gait analysis, even with in house treadmill and on-site X-rays to understand your unique foot type to gather all the data to make the perfect pair of orthotics for your unique sport. This personalized approach ensures your custom orthotics fit seamlessly into your shoes, providing optimal comfort and support.

Benefits of Custom Orthotics for Athletes

• Improved Performance: Orthotics can help improve your balance, stability, and overall efficiency during athletic activities.
• Reduced Pain: By properly aligning your feet and ankles, orthotics can help alleviate pain caused by conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and overuse injuries.
• Enhanced Injury Prevention: Orthotics can help prevent future injuries by supporting your feet and reducing stress on your joints.
• Increased Comfort: Custom orthotics provide a more comfortable fit in your shoes, allowing you to train and compete for longer periods.

Overall, custom orthotics can be a worthwhile investment for athletes looking to optimize their performance, minimize pain, and stay injury-free. I have a passion for crafting these devices to help my patients stay on their feet longer and more efficiently. I’ve made them for soccer cleats, hockey skates, dance/character shoes, professional pole vaulters, professional runners, tennis players and more. Orthotics may not be right for every athlete, but for most they can be a total game changer–literally! Custom orthotics offer a personalized approach to foot health and support, ultimately helping athletes achieve their full potential. Reach your peak performance and stay pain-free with custom orthotics! Arya Foot & Ankle can help. We're open Saturdays for busy schedules. Schedule a consultation online or call 602-309-8788.

Author

Dr. Shylaja Arya Dr. Arya is the owner of Arya Foot & Ankle, a podiatry practice that serves the greater Phoenix area with same day, Saturday, and lunch time appointments. She is a level 500 yoga instructor, tennis player, dog mom and shoe lover!