A Detailed Guide to Wearing Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics put your foot and ankle in the position they are supposed to be. Injuries, surgeries or conditions like bunions can cause foot movement problems. The orthotics help relieve the pain, fix the alignment of the affected feet and let you move pain-free. These look like shoe inserts but are personally designed for each patient. You may need some time to adjust to the orthotics. There are rules you must follow as instructed by your physiotherapist or podiatrist. Here’s a detailed list of what’s involved in wearing custom orthotics in Brampton.

  What’s the Break-In Period for Wearing Custom Orthotics the First Time?

The break-in period depends on the severity of your foot injury. Some patients experience immediate benefits after wearing the custom orthotics. Others can take a time of a few hours or a maximum of 3 weeks. The foot specialist or physiotherapist in Brampton assesses your injuries and conducts a thorough biomechanical analysis of your foot before guiding you on the expected break-in period. 

Two phases involved in wearing your first orthotics:

Casual comfort

According to foot specialists, you should start wearing the orthotics for shorter periods of time initially. This will give you the time to get comfortable with the new shoe insert. In this phase, you can remove the orthotic the moment it starts feeling uncomfortable and rest the feet for some hours. You will soon be able to wear the orthotics all day. 

Strenuous activities such as sports 

Once the casual comfort level is achieved, you can start strenuous activities wearing the orthotics. For instance, you can resume playing your favourite sports for an hour on day 1. You should, however, remove the orthotics and give your feet rest for about 2 hours if you feel uncomfortable. 

You should listen to your body. Do not push it if you are not comfortable. Children usually can wear the orthotics for a longer period of time. Physiotherapists often suggest patients start wearing the orthotics for at least 1-2 hours while standing and eventually extend the time as one gets comfortable. 

What to Expect from Your First Appointment?

Orthotics are medical devices tailored for the patient’s feet. They provide relief from various forms of conditions that affect the normal alignment of your feet and ankles. 

Let’s say you have been experiencing foot pain, especially while walking. So you visit a nearby physiotherapy clinic. 

The physiotherapist listens to your problems and concerns. They gather information about your medical history, previous injuries, footwear preferences and current lifestyle. 

Then they conduct a thorough examination of the lower limb. They assess your foot structure, range of motion, abnormalities, strength and alignment during this procedure. 

They may also ask you to walk. This helps them identify abnormalities in your gait or movement patterns. 

These steps help the physiotherapist identify the pressure points on your feet. They order the orthotics accordingly. 

Do the Orthotics Require Cleaning?

You can clean them as and when you want. Use soap and warm water to clean the custom orthotics. In case you have a history of blisters on your feet or smelly feet, the physiotherapist will customize the orthotics material accordingly. 

Make sure the orthotics are completely dry before you wear them lest it increases the chances of bacteria infection. 

How Do You Get Custom Foot Orthotics in Brampton?

Custom orthotics are not the same as the readymade insoles available at counters. The former are medical devices manufactured under the supervision of a registered physiotherapist or podiatrist. At Physiotherapy First, the physiotherapists can conduct examination of your foot conditions and guide you to wearing the orthotics successfully. If you are in Brampton and need relief from foot problems, the team can help.

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