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These types of sports require extremely different footwork than some other disciplines. The top of the foot moves in multiple directions, on a sometimes synthetic, sometimes natural surface. The ground is irregular; the foot must stop, start, and move with each of its different parts. Sometimes a player must kick the ball with his/her foot. The foot must be flexible and solid during different phases of the game. It supports many repetitive constraints that can result in injuries mostly to the forefoot, big toe and ankle.
The natural or synthetic field surface can provide some shock reduction. However, on synthetic surfaces, the risk of injury is increased by the strain created when stopping abruptly, changing direction or unexpectedly encountering the opponent. These sports are especially hard on the knee, hip and spinal cord joints. A sport shoe must offer protection to the foot and optimize technical movement. For outdoor sports, the position of the cleats under the shoe surface is what offers support. Verifying the cleat position insures stability, braking capacity and rapid directional changes. Lightweight and sturdy, the shoe must also have a cushioned tongue to provide shock absorption and reduce possibility of sprains. Absence of in-shoe support reduces the effectiveness of the propulsion and shock absorption. The foot orthotic provides medio-lateral support during various movements. It offers maximum support as well as forefoot protection. Its double density composition, in this area, provides proper positioning of the big toe when the foot is in flexion, varus or valgus.
The main purpose to having any of this equipment is to rekindle the pleasures of practicing a physical activity and enhance performance, all the while avoiding injury and maintaining healthy articulations. The knees are often a source of injuries following collisions; the prophylactic equipment is suggested in order to stabilize and reduce the risk of excessive rotation in one or more parts of the leg.
