Wearing Foot Orthotics

Wear in of orthotics

Getting your body adjusted to orthotics can be straight forward if we follow some simple tips and listen to our body. If you try wear something your body isn't use to for too long you may experienced discomfort. Most people find wearing orthotics very weird for the first couple of days as they push and poke in all different areas to obtain the balance we need, but after 2 weeks find their pain has reduced, function has increased and feel better wearing orthotics than not wearing orthotics.

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We slowly want to get use to wearing orthotics. The following is our recommendation.  

Day 1-  wear for 1 hour

Day 2- wear for 2 hours

Day 3- wear for 3 hours

Day 4- wear for 4 hours.

Continue to build up wear by 1 hour per day till you can comfortably wear all day.

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If irritation occurs, stop wearing for the day and wear again the following day, but drop back by 1 hour from when irritation occurred.

Some irritation is normal as you are not use to it, but prolonged irritation is not.

It is common for the heel to feel like its lifting for the first two weeks, thereafter this will reduced.

By the 2 week mark you should be able to wear orthotics comfortably all day.

For custom and semi custom orthotics we normally like to review your progress at the two week mark to monitor your progress.

If you are getting on going irritation before this please contact us sooner.

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In some cases albeit rare, your orthotics may need to be modified to help improve comfort, yet maintain support. We look at it as if we need to reduce 5% of the support to 95% the support the orthotic offers to allow you to be comfortable in them all day, is much better than having a pair of orthotics that offer 100% support but you can only wear them for 1 hour.

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Orthotics and Exercise

Orthotic use during exercise and sport can be an important factor. This can be done with no issue unless advised otherwise.

As a general rule, you shouldn't play sport in the orthotics or any vigorous exercise until you can comfortably wear the orthotics all day. Orthotics don't normally work well with athletics spikes, footy/soccer boots and ballet pointe shoes.

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Maintenance of Orthotics

Being under your feet all day orthotics may need to be cleaned and maintained time to time. A lot of orthotics have covers that are antimicrobial which can be helpful.

If your feet, shoes or orthotics get overly sweaty or wet remove the orthotics and allow to air dry out of direct heat. 

Orthotics can be wiped down with a damp cloth and allowed to dry.

Wearing wool, cotton or other natural fibre socks work best for orthotics, this will draw moisture aware and enable a more comfortable experience. Wearing no socks results in sweaty smelly feet and orthotics.

Avoid any direct sources of heat near the orthotics as this may affect the adhesives used- this included intense direct sunlight.

Dogs love orthotics- so ensure they are kept out of reach of dogs, we have had to replace orthotics for many people as a result of their dogs chewing on them- this is at the cost to the patient.

We like to review your progress at the 2 week mark, 6 month mark, then annually after that. This is to ensure the orthotic is still doing what we require them to do to suit your needs.