Bracing Specialists

Indoor sports injuries

Indoor sports injuries and the role of orthotics and proper footwear

by Jennifer Estabrooks Co-Owner

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of indoor sports has surged, drawing enthusiasts of all ages to partake in activities ranging from basketball and volleyball to indoor soccer and pickleball. While these activities offer a plethora of health benefits, they also come with the risk of injuries. Healthcare clinics play a vital role in addressing and preventing these injuries, at Soles in Motion we have a particular focus on the use of orthotics, braces, and proper footwear. This article explores the common indoor sports injuries and how orthotics, along with appropriate footwear, can be instrumental in promoting injury prevention and overall well-being.

The Landscape of Indoor Sports Injuries

Indoor sports, with their fast-paced nature and quick direction changes, combined with hardwood floors, often lead to a variety of injuries. Sprained ankles, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis/tendinitis, and knee injuries are some of the common afflictions that athletes may face. These injuries can result from factors such as inadequate warm-up, improper technique, or insufficient support for the feet and ankles during physical activities.

Understanding the Role of Orthotics

Orthotics, custom-made or prefabricated shoe inserts, play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of indoor sports on the lower extremities. These devices are designed to provide support, stability, and proper alignment to the feet, thereby reducing the risk of injuries. In a healthcare clinic setting, orthotics are often recommended after a thorough Pedorthic assessment to identify any irregularities in an individual’s foot structure or gait.

By addressing issues such as overpronation or supination, orthotics help with alignment issues, distribute the body’s weight more evenly, and alleviating stress on specific areas. They are particularly beneficial for athletes with flat feet or high arches, as these conditions can contribute to imbalances and instability during sports activities.

The Impact of Proper Footwear

Equally important in injury prevention is the selection of appropriate footwear. Our approach to footwear emphasizes the significance of wearing sports shoes that provide adequate support, cushioning, and traction. Ill-fitting or worn-out shoes can increase the risk of slips, falls, and various foot-related injuries.

Athletic shoes tailored for specific sports activities offer targeted features to enhance performance and protect against injuries. For instance, basketball shoes are designed with ankle support to prevent sprains, while running shoes prioritize shock absorption to reduce the impact on joints. Our professional shoe fitters at soles in motions can guide patients in choosing footwear tailored to their specific sport and individual foot characteristics. We even carry pickleball specific footwear!

Conclusion

In the realm of indoor sports, healthcare clinics play a vital role in promoting athlete well-being and preventing injuries. The use of orthotics and proper footwear are a big part of a long lasting indoor recreation career. At Soles in Motion we have a team of pedorthist’s and orthopedic bracing specialists that can answer many of your questions and concerns and to help you continue your favorite indoor sport.

slips-and-falls_Winter

Don’t Be Down And Out This Winter!

by Jennifer Estabrooks Co-Owner

No matter what is going on around us the seasons are still coming.  Winter is here and with it comes slips and falls.  Did you know that over 70% of all fractures in people over the age of 65 are due to falls?  Falls with or without injury carries a heavy impact on your quality of life.  The most profound effect of falling is the loss of independent living.  Therefore, people may stop doing things that have kept them active.  However, staying active needs to overcome your fear of falling again.

Here are a few ways you can improve your confidence:

Move and strengthen – Many falls among seniors are caused by muscle weakness. Exercise is very important.  If you don’t want to participate in a group setting then do it at home.  I met a lovely gentleman last week that had lost a lot of muscle in his upper legs fairly quickly.  After talking to him, we discovered that after moving from his home to an apartment he no longer did stairs multiple times a day or general outdoor activity.  Although a small thing to some, he was doing very little in his new home to keep those muscles strong.

Stabilize your feet – If you are unstable consider your shoes; high heels, floppy slippers, slick soles can make you feel unstable and make you stumble and fall.  Sensible shoes or orthotics will not only make you more stable but may also reduce joint pain.  Make sure you have boots with good traction if you are going outside; otherwise, it is like driving with bald tires!

Stabilize your Knees – Unfortunately, as time goes by your knee joints are the first joints to wear and you may have osteoarthritis or kneecap pain. This causes instability and weakness leading to falling.  Consider a knee brace that will help with the redistribution of forces away from the area of degeneration.

At Soles in Motion, we want to make you happy and pain-free from the feet up.  Did you know we have two Canadian Certified Pedorthists, Graham and Sandra, as well as, Jen and Megan, Bracing Specialists, who would love to see you?  There is no charge for our appointments and we will educate you on how we can help.  We will also introduce you to Albert, our 3D scanner, who will tell you all about your feet and measure your feet to make sure you get the proper shoes.  Drop-in or give us a call – 902-468-7911

Submitted by Jen Estabrooks, Co-Owner, Bracing Specialist