How to Improve Your Distance Running with Orthotics

Running is one of the most popular leisure activities in and around Roseburg. It’s not too surprising: whether you’re a neighborhood jogger or fan of scenic trails along the Umpqua River or through the hills of the valley, there’s a place for you here.

We see runners of all experience levels at our office, and many of them—whether they run for fun or train for marathons—wish they could run longer distances than they do. Unfortunately, pain holds them back.

It doesn’t have to be that way! We want to keep you on your feet, and custom orthotics are a great tool that can often help runners not only overcome their discomfort, but improve their speed and distance, too!

It comes down to your foot structure and biomechanics. Every foot is unique, and some are better than others at keeping you upright without pain. Flaws such as flat feet, high arches, or overpronation (in which feet roll too far after impact with the ground) magnify the amount of stress on your soles, joints, and ankles, which in turn reduces athletic performance and causes your feet to wear out faster.

Custom orthotics restore balance to your stride. They are made from a mold of your foot and help you distribute forces more evenly over your entire sole. They can even fix motion problems such as overpronation.

With the correct pair of orthotics in place, your feet won’t feel as tired or stressed as they used to, and that means you can go further and train harder before pain sets in. If you want to take a few extra trips around the block, or explore a little further down the trail than before, orthotics can help you get there!

It’s important, however, that they be the right pair, and that’s why you should come to the Wilks Advanced Foot Care first. An insole or orthotic that isn’t right for your feet will be ineffective, or even counterproductive. Jason Wilks, DPM takes an evidence-based approach to prescribing custom orthotics and takes great care to determine whether or not you need an orthotic, and if so, which one will be best.

To set an appointment with Dr. Wilks and see if a pair of orthotics can help you reduce your pain and increase your running mileage, please give us a call today at (541) 673-0742.