What Happens When I Get Orthotics?

Orthotics add support to the feet, the foundation of the body. If there is abnormal structure in the foot, the body will compensate. This compensation may be in the form of abnormal walking or pain and discomfort that can extend from the feet all the way to the head. Using orthotics in shoes will restore the correct foundation of the body and correct any abnormal walking patterns.

Need for Orthotics

Many people will only notice a need for orthotics when their feet hurt after being on them for a long period of time. Signs that a person may need orthotics are sore feet, ankles, legs, or low back pain. Also, if the arches of the feet seem to be falling, orthotics will help to reinforce proper arches. A bend in the Achilles tendon and uneven wear on the shoes also indicate your need for orthotics.

Casting or Scanning

If you are getting custom-made orthotics from a doctor, your foot will be cast or scanned. Casting of the feet for orthotics will begin with removal of the shoes and socks. The doctor will then have you step directly into the cast with one foot and keep the other foot in the air. Your toes will be pushed down into the molding substance. You will plant your foot that was previously in the air and remove the foot in the cast by bringing it straight up. This procedure will be repeated with the other foot.

If the doctor scans your feet, you will remove your shoes and socks and step onto a scanner that is attached to a computer. You will stand as still as possible until he completes the scan.

Orthotics

The doctor will usually ask a few questions about what shoes you are going to wear the orthotics in and about different areas of pain or discomfort. He will then send off the cast or scan to the company to be made. It will take about 7 to 10 days to get the orthotics back in the mail. You will return to the doctors office for instructions and to pick up the orthotics.

The orthotics are usually a flexible material that will easily go in and out of shoes. There are many options available for the purpose of the orthotics, type of shoe that you will wear them in and the top layer to provide the best product for the orthotic user.

Using Orthotics

The orthotics may smell like the substances that they are made from and made need to air out. When first using the orthotics, you will want to wear them for only a few hours a day and gradually add hours to allow the body to cope with the changes that are being made. Rolling your foot over a plastic 20 oz. soda bottle filled with water and frozen may help to relieve fatigue of the foot during the first two weeks.

After the body has compensated for the changes, you can wear the orthotics anytime and you should wear them most if not all of the time. Depending on your activity level, most orthotics will last two years. If you are a marathon or competitive runner, you may need to replace the orthotics sooner.