Custom Foot Orthoses ‘wear-in’ instructions

So you've just been fitted with a pair of Custom Foot Orthoses from your Podiatrist at Foundation Podiatry Townsville - here's what to expect.

Wear in period

Start by wearing your Foot Orthoses for 2-3 hours on the first day. You may notice some initial discomfort. The discomfort may not always be in your feet, instead your shins, knees or even your lower back may experience some ‘adjustment’ pains and niggles, which is your body telling you that it is responding to a change. Each day your goal is to wear the Foot Orthoses for 1-2 hours longer than you did the day before, until you can wear them all day. This wear in process should only take 3-7 days.

Sport and Exercise

Do not use your Orthoses for any form of exercise (including exercise walking) until you can wear them all day comfortably. Initially use them at training, then for a game. Sport and exercise place greater stress on your feet and lower limb so it may take a little time for your body to adapt.

Footwear

The importance of correct footwear cannot be over-emphasized. Avoid wearing old and badly worn shoes as this can limit the benefit of the Foot Orthoses. Remove existing innersoles first. Certain foot types are best suited to particular shoes - we will advise you on this. When shopping for future pairs of shoes you can take your foot orthoses with you to try them on in the store.

Caring for your Foot Orthoses

Once you are comfortable with your Foot Orthoses a protective cover will be glued on top. This is done at your review visit. Covers make the supports more durable and hygienic and make them smooth so that your socks do not grip. Orthoses may be cleaned with a damp cloth and warm soapy water may be used. Do not immerse them in water.

KEEP FOOT ORTHOSES AWAY FROM EXTREME HEAT as this will cause damage. DO NOT leave them in your car or on the porch in direct sunlight.

Review Visits

A review visit in 2-3 weeks’ time will be scheduled for you. Review visits are important for the following reasons: to monitor your symptoms, progress your exercises if necessary, check whether the Foot Orthoses are comfortable and providing adequate support and to make any adjustments if required. We will then glue the protective cover on.

REMEMBER - If you cannot wear your Foot Supports all day after 1 week of breaking them in, then you need to phone the clinic and make your review appointment earlier. Minor adjustments are simply done and are often necessary to achieve greater comfort and results.

Prescribed Exercises

If mobility, stretching or strengthening exercises have been prescribed for you, it is important that you perform them to the best of your ability, as your overall treatment outcome will depend on this.