Custom Orthotics and Cold-Weather Concerns
Winter sports can be exhilarating fun, but cold weather and demanding activities take a toll on your feet and ankles. This is where custom orthotic inserts can be a game-changer! For this post, The Center for Podiatric Care and Sports Medicine will explain how they can prevent injuries altogether or manage those that you’re already experiencing.
Biomechanics and Winter Sports Injuries
Biomechanics, the study of how our bodies move, plays a crucial role in sports performance and injury prevention. In winter sports, several factors can disrupt optimal biomechanics, such as:
Cold Temperatures: Cold muscles and joints are less flexible, increasing the risk of strains and sprains.
Hard, Icy Surfaces: These surfaces provide less shock absorption, increasing stress on the feet and ankles.
Specialized Footwear: Ski boots, snowboard boots, and ice skates can restrict natural foot movement and alter biomechanics.
Cold Weather Worries
Winter sports come with their own set of risks, such as:
Ankle Sprains: Sudden twists and turns on snow or ice can overstretch or tear ligaments, and the restrictive footwear used by skiers and snowboarders increases their risk.
Achilles Tendonitis: The repetitive motions of skiing, snowboarding, and skating can inflame the Achilles tendon (which responds very well to Tenex treatments, fortunately!)
Metatarsalgia: Pain in the ball of the foot, often caused by pressure from ski or snowboard boots.
Custom Orthotics Can Keep Things Stable!
Custom orthotics are shoe inserts designed specifically for your feet based on a detailed assessment of your foot structure and biomechanics. They can help:
Improve Alignment: Orthotics correct biomechanical imbalances like overpronation (foot rolling inward) or supination (foot rolling outward), reducing stress on joints and soft tissues.
Increase Shock Absorption: Orthotics can cushion the impact of hard landings and repetitive movements, protecting your feet and joints.
Improve Shoe Fit: They can optimize the fit of specialized footwear like ski boots, reducing pressure points and improving comfort.
Don't let foot and ankle injuries leave you sidelined! With custom orthotics and boosted biomechanics, you’ll have support when needed and a better chance of avoiding issues altogether.
At The Center for Podiatric Care and Sports Medicine, we offer busy New Yorkers prompt diagnosis and treatments specific to their individual needs. Our expert team of podiatrists, Dr. Jonathan M. Levy, Dr. Nadia F. Levy, Dr. Diane M. Castro, Dr. Josef Geldwert, and Dr. Katherine Lai, are eager to help you at our convenient mid-town Manhattan or Upper East Side locations. If foot problems are bogging you down, contact us!
