Proper Arch Support With Orthotics Helps You Prevent Leg Injuries

An ousted team member can hurt the outcome of games and can have enduring influence on the season as well. Similar to the way a team is influenced by a benched member, a hurt body part influences the entire body. Lower-leg conditions such as shin splints, ankle injuries, and twisted knees can be caused by poor form, lack of flexibility, and overuse of the feet and lower legs. Cited by medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic, the majority of athletes develop shin splints sometime during their career. Here are ways to avoid and heal these painful problems, as well as averting other frequent sports injuries.The Mechanics of Shin SplintsShin splints cause symptoms such as pain in the front or side areas of the lower leg. The pain can be dramatic and excruciating, especially when adding pressure on the affected leg. Increased swollen muscle tissue can make the leg feel taut as well as produce visible inflammation and tenderness in the muscles. Regardless of what type of activities, from soccer to baseball any athlete can be affected by these conditions. Shin pain relief should be sought immediately so that proper physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs can be started. Treatment for shin splints started by physical therapists includes rest, elevation, and icing of the affected area for 1 to 2 days. Ongoing physical therapy and preventive exercises include lower leg weight bearing moves and stretching of the Achilles tendon and the muscles in the front of the shin.Twisting Injuries: How Weak Muscles Affect the Tendons and LigamentsAnother type of injury that is seen in impact sports is twisting of the ankle and knee. This is caused by either an extreme impact, which cannot be averted, or from weak muscles of the knee, lower leg, and ankle. Weakened muscles can be remedied with lifting weights or exercises prescribed by a physical therapist that target the lower leg. Weakened muscles lead to tendons and ligaments that cannot hold the bones and muscles together tightly so that simple movements or athletic activities can cause twisting injuries. Another preventive measure for stopping these types of injuries are to provide the feet with the ideal amount of arch support. This can be accomplished specially-designed orthotic shoe inserts made for sports activities. The doctors at the Cleveland Clinic also advise taping the arch for additional foot arch support during sports activities.How Tearing Injuries HappenSpraining of the tendons and ligaments are also widespread types of sports injuries. This is most commonly found in the Achilles tendon and anterior cruciate ligament. An Achilles injury is usually due to poor flexibility in the heel tendon due to poor stretching technique. This is a vital part in the warmup process that cannot be overlooked. Slow stretches without pulsing are suggested for all sports participants. Kinesiologists recommend a 30 second stretch, releasing for a few seconds, and then repeating the stretch. Anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) are found in the knee and help keep the knee structure together. Injuries to this area can be averted by weight-bearing exercises of the knee , calf and quadriceps through leg curls and leg extensions. Orthotic inserts can help avoid both of these kinds of injuries by supplying proper arch support, ideal cushion, and proper foot form.