Volleyball can be a physically demanding sport, with the extensive running, jumping and quick changes in direction proving particularly stressful on the lower extremities. Volleyball players often wear some form of orthotic device to help prevent injuries to their knees, ankles and feet. Orthotics is a field of medicine concerned with correcting poor limb function through the use of braces or other forms of mechanical support. Numerous manufacturers produce orthotic shoe inserts specifically designed to help address the concerns of volleyball players.
Digital Orthotics
Endorsed by the U.S. Pentagon Army Health Clinic, VA hospitals and the U.S. Olympic Committee, Digital Orthotics produces custom shoe inserts to help ease the punishment from volleyball. The Digital Orthotics inserts feature a custom arch support, a custom orthotic shell, an extended forefoot extension and an extra-padded rear foot. The company can produce custom orthotic devices in as little as three days, with each insert constructed from thermo-pressed, high-impact polypropylene for maximum memory.
Foot Dynamics
Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, Foot Dynamics specializes in manufacturing custom foot orthotics for consumers and athletes worldwide. Foot Dynamics' line of sports orthotics includes a court sport version ideal for volleyball players. The semi-rigid shoe insert contains cork and quality padding to cushion the foot and ankle against the repetitive stress inherent in volleyball.
Zamst: Foot Support
Zamst bills itself as "The Athlete Saver" and produces orthotic devices to benefit athletes in a wide variety of sports, including volleyball. Zamst specifically designed its orthotic devises to ease the pain and discomfort from common volleyball ailments such as plantar fasciitis and shin splits. Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the tissues that run along the bottom of the foot and connect the heel to the toes. The condition results from the constant foot flexing in running and jumping, causing excruciating heel pain. Zamst produces supportive HA-1 socks constructed to offer additional ankle support and heel stabilization, helping ease the pain of plantar fasciitis.
Zamst: Ankle Support
Zamst also manufactures a line of orthotic sleeves to enhance ankle support, which can be an area of concern for volleyball players who do extensive jumping and running. Zamst's most advanced orthotic ankle devise is the A2-DX. A combination brace and supportive sleeve, the A2-DX features 22 parts and 18 materials, all designed to protect the ankle from inversion and eversion injuries. The device's unique X-straps provide medial and anterior stability as well.
