title: Use of soft heat-molded orthoses in sports. A clinical analysis.
abstract: Podiatrists have had considerable success with the use of orthoses in the treatment of athletic injuries and faulty biomechanics. In-office fabrication of soft orthoses out of heat-moldable plastics provides an alternative to the more rigid, prescription device. Easily constructed in 15 to 30 min, the soft heat-molded orthoses have shown favorable results when used clinically with injured athletes. Although the need for more comprehensive studies exists, podiatrists should consider the use of soft heat-molded orthoses with their athletic patients and possibly in combination with the more permanent, rigid orthoses.
authors.affiliation: Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Weik
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D004867:Equipment Design; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D011095:Polyethylenes; D012420:Running / Q000293:injuries
chemical_list: D011095:Polyethylenes