Q. I’ve seen some athletes using arch supports or orthotics in their shoes. What the heck are these for, and do they have any place in bodybuilding or powerlifting as an ergogenic aid?
A. Many lifters, after years of lifting heavy weights on the squat, deadlift, and leg press, put excessive stress on the muscles and ligaments of the foot. This can stress an area on the bottom of the foot called the plantar fascia, and if the stress is great enough for an extended period of time, this can cause a condition called plantar fasciitis. If you get plantar fasciitis, orthotics that support the arches of the feet can be helpful. They can also be used as a preventive measure to support the arch when heavy weights are used.
