Use of soft heat-molded orthoses in sports. A clinical analysis

Podiatrists have had considerable success with the use of orthoses in the treatment of athletic injuries and faulty biomechanics. In-office fabrication of soft orthoses out of heat-moldable plastics provides an alternative to the more rigid, prescription device. Easily constructed in 15 to 30 min, the soft heat-molded orthoses have shown favorable results when used clinically with injured athletes. Although the need for more comprehensive studies exists, podiatrists should consider the use of soft heat-molded orthoses with their athletic patients and possibly in combination with the more permanent, rigid orthoses.