But foot orthotics can work well, finds pooled analysis of available published data.
There's no good evidence that shock-absorbing insoles, which are used to reduce impact and minimise muscle, tendon, and bone damage, do stave off injuries or stress fractures, reveals a pooled analysis of the available data, published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
But foot orthotics can be effective, the analysis shows, although the quality of the data on which the findings are based is variable, caution the researchers.
The most common overuse injuries associated with physical activity include medial tibial stress syndrome (stress response fracture of the shin bone), Achilles tendon, plantar fasciitis (severe heel pain caused by thickening of the plantar fascia tissue in the foot) and knee (patellofemoral) pain.
