5 minutes
The practice of certain sports generates a strong impact on the feet. This situation may require the use of templates. Discover its advantages and when they should be applied.
Sports activities, especially when practiced frequently and intensely, require the use of appropriate equipment. This includes the incorporation of adapted footwear, along with running insoles. It is an element that helps improve bad posture in order to avoid injury.
Some sports and exercises tend to force impacts against the ground; something that can cause discomfort in the feet. Running insoles not only correct ailments in that area, but also in the spine and knees. However, not everyone can diagnose its use.
What are running insoles and what are their main benefits?
Running insoles are elements adaptable to footwear that are inserted in it in order to improve the athlete’s footprint. Many are made from materials such as ethylene vinyl acetate, better known as EVA rubber, and work by cushioning the footprint to accommodate the foot and prevent injuries.
Through its use it is also possible to treat some existing ailments. However, the main function is to reduce the damage caused by forced postures.
With today’s technology, athletic shoes are already made to specific specifications for runners. But still, there are situations where plantar supports are necessary.
In addition to protecting the feet and cushioning impacts, running insoles collaborate with the resolution of problems related to the legs and the spine. For example, scoliosis or deviation of the spine.
Cases in which insoles are recommended for running
Many athletes who have foot abnormalities, as well as overloads or frequent injuries, usually incorporate the use of running insoles. There are low-impact activities, such as golf or hiking, that do not require more than proper footwear. Although if those who practice them present previous problems, the templates are recommended anyway.
In other more physically demanding sports, with turns, jumps or kicks on the foot, its use is more indicated. For example, athletics running, basketball, the rugby or soccer. The feet have the capacity to support more than twice the body weight. However, adding a protective accessory helps care for them and prevent injuries.
Other causes for use
Different anomalies and conditions that are concentrated in the feet, legs or spine also justify the application of running insoles. They can prevent the appearance of these problems or improve the footprint if they already exist, as well as prevent new ailments from arising due to poor posture:
- varus foot: this is the situation where the back of the foot is aligned outward in relation to the ground. It usually causes exaggerated impacts on the heel and the fifth metatarsal.
- Valgus foot: in this case, also known as flatfoot, the deviation is aligned inward.
- Calcaneal spur: It is a bony growth developed around the heel bone.
- plantar fasciitis: inflammation of the fibrous tissue on the bottom of the foot that can cause severe heel pain.
- Achilles tendinopathies: are injuries to the Achilles tendon. Very common in athletes and middle-aged people.
- Metatarsalgia: swelling in the ball of the foot or metatarsal. It manifests itself with deformities in the fingers or the appearance of calluses.
Lastly, running insoles can be helpful for conditions that aren’t primarily focused on the feet. For example, in cases of limb dysmetries. That is, when one leg is shorter than the other, something that makes the menisci work harder.
Also when they suffer alterations in the axes of the knees. This is known as genuinely worth, when they are inward, and genu varo when they are out.
Professionals who can prescribe the use of insoles for running
In everything that has to do with the health of the feet, the task of the podiatrist is fundamental. This includes a prevention instance and a treatment instance, when the problem or injury is already installed.
In addition, other professionals, such as traumatologists or sports doctors, are also trained to prescribe insoles. The evaluation of the state of each patient is carried out through a study of the footprint.
Among the aspects that they evaluate are the shapes of the footprint, any existing injuries and the state of muscles and joints. With the results it is possible to know what type of footwear is the most appropriate for that person and if the use of insoles is necessary.
What can you expect from running templates?
The main function of the insoles is to improve the support of the feet, so that exaggerated tensions in muscles and joints are avoided. In addition, they contribute to the prevention of sprains, tendinitis and overloads.
These elements tend to correct and improve the alignment of the footprint, providing a more effective take-off of the forefoot and full support of the plant. In general, the effects of its use improve sports performance.
A consultation is always positive
Beyond the conditions or anomalies that justify the application of templates, there are other situations in which runners or athletes are unaware of their existence. In the case of suffering repeated injuries or constant overloads in the same areaIt is advisable to consult with a podiatrist.
Also when an exaggerated wear of the sole is observed, it is advisable to visit a professional. It will evaluate the possibility of incorporating templates.
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