THE ROLE OF ORTHOTICS IN THE FOOTBALL

Authors

  • R. Saggini
  • N. Tjoroudis
  • L. Vecchiet

Abstract

The prevention of injury of foot is the true focus of the biomechanical approach applied to the foot in the sports medicine. This work will analyse the roles of the orthotics devices in the treatment of some injuries of the foot in the soccer players. The pathological processes that can developed in the foot are caused by either simple acute traumas from contact or microtraumas from repeated stressed to the foot. Method and Material: We have examined and treated 120 soccer players afflicted from foot’s pathologies from overload. The follow up is 2 years. The diagnostic approach has included an objective examination with a diagnostic X-rays images, and after an evaluation of reaction behaviour of the ground with the foot. The ground reaction was analyzed during both walking and running, to define as precisely as possible the characteristics of pressures and forces aging on the foot. Results: in our clinic we have realized that the treatment of foot’s injuries (tab.1) involves beyond a biomechanical control with orthotics and after a propioceptional rehabilitative programme for 1 month. The results of the pathologies’ treatment with plantar orthotics have demonstrated that this method has a positive interaction ( tab.2) in the control of the foot’s biomechanical disorders. Discussion: Several studies support the impression that orthotic devices reduce biomechanical stress and the incidence of injury. Taunton et al. have demonstrated a decrease in calcaneal eversion during the support phase of running and Bates et al. have demonstrated a reduction in the period and in the maximum extent of pronation in running wearing orthotic devices. Our experience about the use of the plantar orthotic is that the orthotic devices should be of elastic and absorbing at various level material because our data suggest that controlling the velocity of eversion is more important than controlling the degree of eversion, and also that with those materials is possible to good reduce the vertical forces that are applied on the plantar surface of the foot and to well control the good aliment of the leg with the foot. The technical construction should be related to the pattern of the individual ground reaction. Conclusion: The plantar orthotic is an ideal support able to control excessive motion of S.T.J. and to reduce the vertical and horizontal forces and the rotational movement of the foot.

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