Orthotics in the Prevention of Runners' Overuse Injuries

In brief: Three hundred runners were surveyed about the effectiveness of orthotics in controlling the symptoms and recurrence of overuse and impact shock injuries. The most common overuse injuries in the 146 respondents were knee pain, shinsplints, plantar fasciitis and arch strain, and Achilles tendinitis. The most commonly encountered problems with the orthotics themselves were blister formation, edge irritation, heel slippage from the extra bulk in the shoe, and discomfort from the stiffness of the orthotic. The author feels that orthotics can be of significant therapeutic value in treating abnormal function and preventing its recurrence.