Running is a fantastic way to get your heart rate up and burn some calories, but the act of running itself can be pretty difficult on your feet. After all, you’re pounding the pavement for prolonged periods of time, which can take its toll on your joints and muscles.
An injury from running isn’t necessarily something you can avoid in the long run; however, it’s much easier to prevent an injury from becoming chronic when you take steps now. This is where custom orthotics come in.
Orthotics are inserts that fit inside the soles of your running shoes to support weak or overworked arches and provide additional stability for your foot while running. Even if you don’t plan on getting into more serious forms of running (such as road racing or marathons), using custom orthotics as an entry-level runner will virtually eliminate potential injuries and make every other kind of exercise feel that much more comfortable and enjoyable.
What are Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are inserts that fit inside the soles of your running shoes to support weak or overworked arches and provide additional stability for your foot while running. They’re different from regular, over-the-counter orthotics in that they’re specifically designed for runners to provide extra support and protection for your feet. You can buy custom orthotics online according to yourr foot size.
Orthotic insoles are designed to absorb impact from running by spreading the pressure from each toe down the entire length of your foot, helping to prevent injuries like runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis.
Types of Running Orthotics
There are two main types of running orthotics: rigid and semi-rigid. Rigid running orthotics are made of a solid piece of material that lies inside your shoe. These orthotics are designed to provide a firm, stable platform for your foot, and are usually the most supportive and durable of the two types.
Semi-rigid running orthotics are made of a combination of materials, including rubber and foam. These orthotics are less supportive than rigid orthotics and are designed to provide additional comfort without sacrificing stability.
Why You Need Custom Running Orthotics
Custom orthotics are especially important for runners who have fallen or experienced previous injuries in their knees, Achilles tendons, or feet. While these injuries might not have prevented you from running before, the increased strain put on your joints and muscles can lead to pain and stiffness even when you’re not running.
Using custom orthotics can go a long way toward reducing the risk of this kind of injury and making other kinds of physical activity more enjoyable for you. Custom orthotics are also a great choice for beginners who are interested in running but aren’t yet committed enough to spend money on a new pair of shoes. If you’ve never tried running before, you’re probably not yet sure how often you’ll want to get out there.
For beginners, it can be a little intimidating to spend money on new shoes and accessories that you don’t know if you’ll use very often. Using custom orthotics as an entry-level runner can virtually eliminate potential injuries while making every other kind of exercise feel that much more comfortable and enjoyable.
Depending on the level of support you need and the severity of your injury, you can wear your orthotics for any or all of your running sessions. In fact, many runners use a pair of orthotics for just one specific running session per week to stretch their muscles and increase their flexibility. This is especially helpful if you’ve had recent foot surgery or other conditions that limit your range of motion.
Other Benefits of Running Orthotics
Custom orthotics have a number of benefits for runners of all levels. With custom orthotics, you’ll never have to worry about sliding around inside your running shoe, which can lead to blisters and smears.
If you’re prone to overpronation, you might find that your feet feel a little too much when you run; custom orthotics can help to correct this and keep your joints safe and pain-free.
Over time, your arches will naturally start to lose support due to wear and tear. Using a custom orthotic will decrease the damage which would have been done if directly on your foot. An orthotic is like a pillow to eliminate this problem.
The risk of injury while running also decreases when you use orthotics, since they provide additional stability and support where it’s needed most. This also means that you would be able to run longer than normal without any pain. If you do feel pain then you would need to be fitted again.
Things To Consider When Buying Running Orthotics
Before investing in running insoles, take some time to review the following items to make sure you’re getting the best fit and stability possible.
When searching for running orthotics, look for a pair that has a snug but not too tight fit. A snug fit will keep the orthotics in place and prevent them from shifting around inside your shoe
You want to make sure that the orthotics you choose provide adequate support for your arches while still allowing your toes to freely move. You want an orthotic with enough stability to prevent your foot from rolling inward or outward, and one that doesn’t feel too soft or hard. If you have a tendency to overpronate, you want your orthotics to help correct your heel alignment so that your foot looks more like a heel (from the side view).
Conclusion
Many new runners worry about how long they’ll be able to use custom orthotics, since they’re such a significant investment. Don’t let this discourage you; if you’re using orthotics to help prevent injuries, you’ll be able to get a lot out of them regardless of how long they last.
Running is an incredibly beneficial form of exercise, but it can also be extremely challenging on your feet. This is why it’s important to use custom orthotics to support your feet and prevent injuries while running. If you’re a beginner runner who is considering using orthotics, you’re sure to improve your running experience and achieve your running outcomes quicker with an easy transition.