Orthotics are prescription medical devices that are worn inside the shoes. These are prescribed for correcting various biomechanical foot problems including problems with running, standing, or walking. These medical devices are also helpful in providing relief from foot pain due to various medical conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, and diabetes. Orthotics might even be helpful in fixing flat feet without the need for surgery.
It is important to understand that all orthotics are not good for you even when custom designed. You need to find the right balance between rigidity and flexibility like Arcopedico. The key to success is to make sure your foot makes complete contact with the ground and this is why it is important to have full length orthotics.
Our recommendation is a custom-designed orthotic over generic OTC foot inserts. Once you have discovered the many advantages of a custom-made orthotic, you also need to know how to care for them and use them. Here is everything you need to know about taking care of these wonderful medical devices and how to use them to enhance your quality of life.
Orthotics Treatment for Various Conditions
Orthotics may be prescribed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy for proper treatment of a variety of medical conditions such as high arches, plantar fasciitis, injuries, heel spurs, flat feet, diabetes, bunions, back pain, hammer toes, arthritis, and bursitis.
Wearing Foot Orthotics
More often than not, new orthotics always require a break-in time. It typically takes your body around 2 to 3 weeks to become comfortable with the new foot inserts. Transitioning to new foot inserts may be challenging. Here are a few tips to help you with the transition:
Try the inserts 2 to 3 times every day. On the first day you get these devices, it is recommended to wear the foot inserts for at least 30 minutes during each session. On the next day, increase the session time by 15 to 30 minutes and keep doing it until you are comfortable wearing the orthopedic foot insert without taking them off. Keep them on all day long and during day-to-day activities.
You might find your feet becoming more tired and/or sore after wearing the customized foot inserts. It is completely normal. This is what happens during the break-in period. In such cases, you should take off these foot inserts for several hours before wearing them again.
Keep wearing your foot inserts for a period of 3 weeks in this manner. If your feet still feel tired and/or sore from wearing the custom orthotics, some adjustments may need to be made. We can make these adjustments for you at no extra cost in case you have bought them from us. You should give us a call even if you have bought these foot inserts from another vendor. We will be happy to help you.
Taking Care of Your Orthotics
You should be able to use custom orthotics for one to four years. These may last longer but it depends on your activity level as well as body weight. It is possible to refurbish custom orthotics and this is why you should never get rid of them. Give us a call and our experts will restore them to a condition as good as new.
Here are a few tips to help you keep your custom orthotics in a good shape and make them last longer:
Do not use a dryer or a washing machine for cleaning custom orthotics. Use a damp rag to wipe them down in order to clean them. You might want to use a mild dish detergent for cleaning and follow it by rinsing with cold water.
Use a dry cloth to wipe down your foot inserts and air dry them before putting the inserts back in your shoes.
Never leave your orthotics in a hot vehicle.
In order to avoid premature wear off orthotics top cover, make sure you always wear socks before putting on your orthotics.
It is possible to get orthotics wet. If the foot inserts get wet, you should immediately remove them and wipe them down. Make sure they are air dried before being put back in the shoes.
Choosing New Boots or Shoes for Orthotics
When it is time for you to buy new boots or shoes for orthotics, make sure you take the foot inserts with you. Pay attention to these before buying new shoes:
Only buy shoes with removable insoles which are also known as sock liners or foot beds.
Remove the original sock liners from new shoes and place the foot inserts inside. Try your shoes with the inserts inside for a while when you are in the shop to make sure they are comfortable.
If the custom inserts take more room inside the boot as compared to the original foot beds, you might need a shoe that has a wider toe box and is cut taller from top to bottom. In most cases, a longer shoe is not needed.
The best choice for functional orthotics is lace up boots and shoes as you can easily adjust the shoe volume.