How to Prevent Severe Bunion Pain from Flaring Up
Do you have bunion pain that gets notably worse at times? Understanding why these flare-ups can happen can go a long way toward helping you prevent them in the future.
What to Know About Wearing Orthotics While Working Out
You probably know that your shoes make a big difference in how you get around. If you’ve worn uncomfortable or unsupportive shoes in an athletic event, you know how painful that can be.
That’s why our team at Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center offers custom orthotics at our offices in Laveen, Chandler, and Mesa, Arizona. By making shoe inserts that are tailored to your feet, we can help alleviate plantar fasciitis, provide arch support, and more. And that can be especially helpful when you’re running, playing sports, or working up a sweat in another way.
But, before you add orthotics to your workout shoes, there are some things you should know about.
Orthotics can alleviate strain and protect from injury
When used properly, orthotics can reduce your risk of injury by 28% and your risk of a stress fracture by 41%. Furthermore, many runners with heel pain have found relief by adding orthotics to their running shoes.
It should be noted, however, that not all orthotics are created equal. While you can get over-the-counter inserts, your feet can get the biggest benefits if the orthotics are customized, so they can provide the right support and cushioning.
Not everyone needs orthotics
Orthotics can be transformative if you’re dealing with a foot or ankle condition and you want to keep moving. If you’re not having any issues, though, you generally shouldn’t add orthotics to your workout shoes.
While it might seem like getting orthotics could be a preventive measure, this could actually throw off the mechanics of your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. So as a general rule, if your feet aren’t bothering you, you should skip the orthotics for the time being.
If you aren’t sure if you need them, speak with our team at Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center. We can evaluate your feet and body mechanics and let you know if you should get orthotics.
You might need a specialized type
The orthotics you get for daily wear might not be the best option for your exercise routine. Depending on what your feet need, we may recommend specialized insoles for your workouts and others for your daily life.
This way, your feet can get the support they need depending on the situation. Not only can this help prevent injury and minimize discomfort, but it may even help boost performance.
If you have foot discomfort while working out and want to see if orthotics can help you, we can give you a thorough evaluation and discuss your next steps. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Arizona Foot and Ankle Medical Center today.
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