Functional Foot Orthoses

In athletic individuals, sports activities result in a great deal of movement and pressure on the foot. Slight imbalances in the foot that are not harmful or even detectable under usual circumstances may make one more vulnerable to injury with the extra stress of sports activity. By eliminating the need for one's muscles to compensate for imperceptible imbalances, Functional Foot Orthoses can reduce fatigue and promote efficient muscle function to enhance performance. With enough functional correction, the foot structure can be aligned to give more propulsion, making walking, running and cycling more mechanically and energy efficient.

Knee Orthoses

The knee joint is a complex structure designed to allow normal function whilst withstanding the huge stresses we put through it during everyday activities. Those involved in all levels of sport put an increased amount of stress on this joint and it is very common for footballers, rugby players and other athletes to experience a knee injury at some point in their career.

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured of the four stabilising knee ligaments. The injury usually occurs from a twisting of the knee whilst the foot is still firmly on the ground. It can also occur from landing awkwardly, a football or rugby tackle or a direct blow to the knee.

There are so many types of knee braces out there that is sometimes difficult to figure out which brace is best for you. Here at Feet First Orthotics we provide you with the knee brace that is best suited for your condition / injury in order to ensure the best chance for a successful recovery.

Scientific Evidence

Many studies have been done in order to provide evidence of the efficacy of the use of Functional Foot Orthoses in athletes.

All these papers show that by correcting the foot position, the frequency of movement related injuries are reduced [1], the skeleton is re-aligned [2] and more cushioning occurs [3] which increases the comfort during the activity [4]. Improved sensory feedback also occurs which then creates better muscle recruitment and efficiency [5]. Controlling the foot position also reduces the turning moment on the knee [6] and the possibility of an injury.

Knee braces have been advocated by many in the treatment of ligaments and also for those who require a functional brace during a sports activity [7].

[1] GROSS, M. L., R. C. NAPOLI. Treatment of lower extremity injuries with orthotic shoe inserts: an overview. Sports Med. 15:66-70, 1993.

[2] MILANI, T. L., G. SCHNABEL, and E. M. HENNIG. Rear foot motion and pressure distribution pattern during running in shoes with varus and valgus wedges. J. Appl. Biomech. 11:177-187, 1995.

[3] LOCKARD, M. A. Foot orthoses. Phys. Ther. 68:1866-1873, 1988.

[4] PFEFFINGER, L. L. Foot orthoses. In: Atlas of Orthotics: Biomechanical Principles and Applications, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (Ed.). St. Louis: Mosby, 1975, pp. 346-357.

[5] NAWOCZENSKI, D. A., T. M. COOK, and C. L. SALTZMAN. The effect of foot orthotics on three-dimensional kinematics of the leg and rearfoot during running. J. Orthop. Sport Phys. Ther. 21:317-327, 1995.

[6] STEFANYSHYN, D. J., P. STERGIOU, V. M. Y. LUN, W. H. MEEUWISSE, and B. M. NIGG. Knee joint moments and patellofemoral pain syndrome in runners; part 1: a case control study; part 2: a prospective cohort study. Proc. 4th Symposium on Footwear Biomechanics, Canmore, Canada, 1999, pp. 86-87.

[7] DEVITA, P., M. TORRY, K. L. GLOVER, and D. L. SPERONI. A functional knee brace alters joint torque and power patterns during walking and running. J. Biomech. 29:583-588, 1996.