Cyclists
Professional and recreational cyclists all around the world are discovering the benefits of wearing customised foot orthotics in their cycling shoes.
Cycling orthotics assist with foot, ankle and knee alignment, which greatly improves power translation from the foot to the pedal. Additionally, cycling orthotics reduces fatigue, improves comfort and prevents injury.
In fact most of our cyclists report that they feel stronger, less fatigued and much more comfortable, even following lengthy rides.
What makes a cycling orthotic different to a standard foot orthotic? Well this largely comes down to the difference in the way your feet and legs work whilst cycling compared to traditional orthotics which are made for walking or running.
It is generally accepted that if the knee can be made to track straight up and down during cycling, with little medial or lateral migration of the knee, then more efficient cycling mechanics will result. Cycling is all about transmitting power from the lower extremity to the bicycle pedal as efficiently as possible, with the least wasted movement within the foot and lower extremity. As such, any motion of the foot and lower extremity that is not occurring with the sagittal plane is wasted or inefficient motion.
The structure of a cycling shoe is completely different to a walking or running shoe. Space is significantly reduced with the shank or midfoot region of a cycling shoe being much narrower and the heels are usually elevated.
A proper cycling orthotic must mirror the shape of the foot as well as matching the shape of the cycling shoe. Weight is also an important consideration, and a cycling orthotic must be very lightweight, whilst still remaining strong.
Our podiatrists have access to various carbon fibre materials which are very strong but can be as thin as 1.6mm, which saves considerably on space and are extremely light-weight. Cycling orthoses are made from plaster cast impressions of your feet taken by podiatrist and prescribed for individual biomechanics and specific needs.
Case Study
James is a club level cyclist who presented to our clinic with pain in the front of both knees (patellofemoral pain syndrome) during rides greater than 40kms. He also reported occasional grazing of the inner aspect of his ankles on his crank when riding out of the saddle.
Computerised biomechanical examination demonstrated excessive pronation, or inward rolling of the feet and ankles, causing significant medial migration of the knees (towards the midline). This migration in of the knees was increasing the load through the patellofemoral joint and contributing to his pain.
Note in the above 2 photos the movement of the knee toward the midline. During downstroke the knee almost hits the top tube of the bike as the foot and ankle rolls inwards.
Treatment included referral for physiotherapy for strengthening exercises as well as biomechanical correction with cycling orthoses. Jim was riding pain free within 4 weeks and no longer has any problems with grazing his ankles on the crank now.
In these 2 photos, correction of poor biomechanics has been achieved with orthoses.
Pronation has been reduced and knee alignment has subsequently improved. The distance between the knee and top tube has increased.
This now allows for much better power translation from leg to pedal and reduced loading through the patellofemoral joint.
