Download Common Sports Injuries: A guide to Orthotic/Bracing Treatment

Common Sports Injuries: A guide to Orthotic/Bracing Treatment
Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) causes lateral knee pain. Iliotibial band syndrome is one of the
leading causes of lateral knee pain in runners. The iliotibial band is a thick band of fascia on the
lateral aspect of the knee, extending from the outside of the pelvis, over the hip and knee, and
inserting just below the knee. The band is crucial to stabilizing the knee during running, as it
moves from behind the femur to the front of the femur during activity. The continual rubbing of the
band over the lateral femoral epicondyle, combined with the repeated flexion and extension of the
knee during running may cause the area to become inflamed.
Treatment, including ITB strap:
• RICE
• Physiotherapy
• Biokinetics
• Lateral heel and sole wedge in the shoe to release tension on the ITB.
• Custom foot orthotics may treat ITBS condition by controlling the amount of medial rotation
of the foot, thus reducing rotation of the leg and knee.
• ITB strap provides targeted compression, stabilizing the Iliotibial tract and it absorbs stress to
the area and reduces friction and rubbing of the femoral condyle.
Shin splint. A pain that occurs in the front or medial side along the tibia. Shin splints commonly
occur after a change in activity, such as running longer distances or increasing the number of days
you run too quickly.
People with flat feet or over pronating feet are more likely to develop shin splints.
Treatment includes:
• rest
• stretching exercises
• slow return to activity after several weeks of healing
• Custom innersoles to prevent over pronation
Figure 1 Custom foot orthotic
Runner's knee. This is a common overuse injury. Runner's knee has several different causes, but
it's commonly due to the patella being out of alignment.
Over time, the cartilage on the patella can wear down. Vigorous activity leads to pain around the
kneecap, particularly when:
• going up or down stairs
• squatting
• sitting with the knee bent for a long time
Brace treatment for runner’s knee
Runners knee can be treated in conjunction with medication, rest and physiotherapy, by using a
runners knee strap. Patella bands, sometimes just called knee bands, are applied around the leg
just under the kneecap. The concept is to press on the patellar tendon and thus "tighten up the
kneecap mechanism”.
Figure 2 Runners Knee strap
Achilles tendinitis. This is inflammation of the Achilles tendon.
Achilles tendinitis causes pain and stiffness in the area of the tendon, especially in the morning
and with activity. It is usually caused by repetitive stress to the tendon, often due to increasing
running distance too quickly. Tight calf muscles can also contribute.
Treatment includes:
• rest
• icing the area
• calf stretches
• Heel raises and heel cushions to absorb shock and release tension on the Achilles tendon.
Figure 3 Heel raise
Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a painful inflammatory process of the plantar fascia, the connective
tissue or ligament on the sole (bottom surface) of the foot. It is often caused by overuse of the
plantar fascia, increases in activities, weight or age. It is a very common condition and can be
difficult to treat if not looked after properly.
Treatment options for plantar fasciitis include
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•
•
•
•
rest,
massage therapy,
stretching,
night splints,
physical therapy,
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•
•
•
•
cold therapy,
heat therapy,
orthotics,
anti-inflammatory medications,
injection of corticosteroids and
Figure 4 Plantar Fasciitis Night splint dorsal
Figure 5 Plantar fasciitis night splint
Figure 6 Strassburg Sock
Ankle sprain. This is the stretching or tearing of ligaments surrounding the ankle. It often occurs
when the foot twists or rolls inward.
Depending on the amount of damage or the number of ligaments that are damaged, each sprain is
classified from mild to severe. A grade 1 sprain is defined as mild damage to a ligament or
ligaments without instability of the affected joint. A grade 2 sprain is considered a partial tear to the
ligament, in which it is stretched to the point that it becomes loose. A grade 3 sprain is a complete
tear of a ligament, causing instability in the affected joint.
Treatment:
• RICE
• Moonboot and Crutches
• Rehabilitation
• Lace up ankle brace
Figure 7 Lace up ankle brace
Figure 8 Elbow crutch
Figure 9 Aircast Walker
Muscle pull. A small tear in your muscle, also called a muscle strain, often caused by
overstretching of a muscle. If you suffer a pulled muscle, you may feel a popping sensation when
the muscle tears.
Muscle pull commonly affects these muscles:
hamstrings
quadriceps
calf
groin
Treatment includes
•
•
RICE
Compression stockings and/or garments
Figure 10 Thigh Sleeve
Figure 11 Athletic recovery socks
Lower Back Pain
Usually lower-back-pain affects runners, cyclists, golfers, tennis, and baseball players. Bulging
discs, back spasms, stress fractures sciatica are some types of lower-back pain. Improper training
techniques, weakness (especially of the core muscles) and poor preparation is the most common
reason for sports-related back pain. A slightest discrepancy in leg length can also cause back
pain in runners as well as poor lower limb biomechanics or inadequate footwear.
Treatment:
• rest from the aggravating activity,
• anti-inflammatory medications, and
• gentle pain free stretching.
• Also applying heat to the area can help reduce the muscle spasm and hence the pain.
• Runners with a difference in leg length can get orthotic lifts to correct the problem.
• SIJ belts or Lumber sacral support
Figure 12 SIJ Belt
Figure 13 Lumber sacral support