Since orthotics are a physical device, they obviously must take up some room in the shoe. While they may fit into your present foot gear, don’t struggle. If your shoes feel too tight, invest in a new pair of shoes to house your new orthotics. Always have your shoe fitter fit the orthotics into your new shoe when visiting the shoe store.
Your foot orthotics have been fabricated especially for you and specifically for your foot condition from the Digital Scan made of your feet some weeks ago.
Orthotics are not a “cure all”. They are designed to hopefully bring you improved foot function and comfort. As your feet grow older and undergo change, it may be necessary to make a new set of impressions and fabricate new orthotics.
You may not necessarily be comfortable wearing your orthotic devices initially. Like eyeglasses, you will probably become accustomed to them as time passes.
Some patients wear their orthotics for a full day right from the start. Other patients seem to do better with a gradual approach such as wearing them one hour the first day, two hours the second, three hours the third, etc.
When wearing orthotics, it is not unusual for the heel to feel like it is slipping off, particularly in step-in shoes. This slipping normally reduces or disappears as you adapt to wearing the foot devices.
After your orthotics are dispensed to you, we normally schedule you for a follow-up examination in about three to four weeks. Experience has shown that complaints that are present after the first week are usually gone by the third week when the follow-up examination takes place.
It is possible that your orthotic devices may require a small change or adjustment to improve their function or make them more comfortable. This is usually not done until your feet have had a chance to adapt to the device.
Squeaking of orthotic devices in shoes is due to normal movement of the devices in normal function. To reduce squeaking, dust some powder into the shoes or on the under-surface of the orthotics before inserting them into your shoes.
Please do not hesitate to call this office if you have any difficulties or questions about the use or care of your orthotics.