Sports Medicine: Biomechanical Evaluation and Management of Common Foot and Ankle Conditions in Athletic Patients

Abstract:
Athletic trainers frequently lack a concise, repeatable process to evaluate foot posture/timing and to integrate orthoses appropriately with loading and return-to-sport (activity) plans. The practice gap shows up as: (a) inconsistent impression/casting quality and calibration to bodyweight/activity/shoe class; (b) uncertainty about when orthoses are likely to help (e.g., patellofemoral pain, plantar-heel pain) vs when they should not replace loading (e.g., Achilles); (c) low confidence verifying fit at dispense and initiating early micro-modifications; and (d) weak break-in and follow-up routines (48-hr/14-day,+). These gaps drive avoidable discomfort, poor adherence, and time lost from sport (activity). A focused, skills-based course that installs a quick screen, a stepwise orthoses protocol, and brief follow-up checkpoints will close the gap and improve athlete comfort, function, and availability.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe how arch posture/timing (pronation ↔ supination) alters foot function and load transfer during the athletic gait cycle. 
  • Identify at least three athletic presentations where excessive pronation contributes to symptoms and explain the MASS Posture rationale for intervention. (e.g. PFP, plantar heel pain, medial tibial stress) and explain the MASS Posture rationale for intervention. 
  • Explain how MASS Posture full-contact, calibrated orthoses can restore stability and improve gait economy in athletes, using sport-specific examples. 
  • Outline key sport-footwear considerations (cleats, spikes, tight toe-boxes, dress/work) when recommending MASS Posture orthoses, including cover length, shell width, and heel cup depth as well as calibration principles. 

Level:
Advanced

Domain(s):
Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy 
Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis 
Domain 4: Therapeutic Intervention

Orthopedic Domain(s):
Domain 1: Medical Knowledge

CEUs:
1.0 Category A

Keywords:
Foot Biomechanics, Injury Prevention, Foot and Ankle, Orthotics, Gait Cycle

Enhanced Access On-Demand Course Expiration:
Access to this course will expire at the end of the membership year on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the Expiration Date Policy on our FAQ page.

Edward S. Glaser, DPM

Dr. Edward S. Glaser, DPM is the founder of Sole Supports and developer of MASS Posture Theory, an engineering-based model of foot biomechanics. With a background in mechanical engineering (SUNY Stony Brook) and podiatric medicine (New York College of Podiatric Medicine), Dr. Glaser has dedicated more than 30 years to re-envisioning orthotic therapy. His innovations, published in the Foot and Ankle Foundation Online Journal, have led to the production of over a million custom orthotics worldwide. Recognized nationally and internationally, he continues to advance biomechanical correction of the foot and lower extremity under Sole Supports’ guiding value: “We make people better.”

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