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"Orthotics" is the name for the shoe inserts many athletes use in an attempt to prevent injuries. But analysis shows that, while shoe inserts or orthotics could theoretically be helpful as a short-term method of preventing injury, it is not entirely clear how to make inserts that work.
The notion that orthotics correct mechanical-alignment problems does not hold up to study. However, orthotists argue that this does not take into account the benefits that patients perceive; according to them, it does make patients feel better.