Our podiatry team has seen a wide range of sports injuries across soccer, NRL, rugby and CrossFit, and we have a particular interest in the biomechanics behind why these injuries happen, not just how to manage them once they’ve occurred.

 

Are Synthetic Pitches a Factor?

With more junior and elite players training and competing on synthetic pitches, a common question is whether artificial turf increases injury risk. The research here is genuinely mixed; many studies show no major difference in the incidence, severity, or nature of injuries between synthetic and natural surfaces. That said, artificial turf tends to be harder and flatter than grass, and some research has pointed to increased ankle sprain risk in young female footballers playing on synthetic surfaces, potentially linked to increased ground reaction forces without any corresponding change in standard football boot design.

 

Reducing Ground Reaction Force

Because football boots haven’t changed significantly to accommodate harder playing surfaces, orthotics are one of the main ways we can help reduce the ground reaction forces travelling up through your ankles, knees and hips. Custom orthotics are designed to support, control, and align the foot, addressing mechanical issues like excess pronation, which generates a lot of this additional stress through the lower limb.

 

What Makes a Good Soccer Boot

A well-designed boot should sit in a neutral alignment from behind, rather than rolling inward. A boot that rolls in tends to push the foot into a pronated position, increasing stress through the ankle and rotational stress through the knee and hip. Beyond alignment, a good boot should have a sturdy mid-shank, bend only at the toes, include a strong heel counter, and lace up high enough to properly support the ankle.

 

Our Approach

  • Assess and help identify the underlying cause of any foot or leg pain
  • Offer guidance on how to help reduce the risk of future injury
  • Build a treatment plan tailored to your sport, position and training load

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need different orthotics for playing on synthetic turf?

Potentially, the increased ground reaction forces on synthetic surfaces can be a factor in your assessment, and your podiatrist can advise whether sport-specific orthotics are appropriate for your training and playing surface.

Can orthotics fit inside football boots?

Yes, orthotics can be designed to suit different shoe and boot styles, including football boots, as part of your treatment plan.

 

Book an Assessment

If you’re managing a recurring soccer or football injury, book a biomechanical assessment at your nearest Dr Abbie Clinics location.

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