The orthotics are designed to influence your joint mechanics by:

• Preventing excessive joint motion
• Correcting a joint position
• Evenly distributing pressures 

As orthotics directly influence your biomechanics, they may feel strange and mild discomfort can be common following initial use. This should ease as you gradually wear in your insoles.

Breaking In Period

You should gradually increase the wear time with your orthotics to allow your skin and body to adjust to the pressures applied to it. If your orthotics become painful with the pain lasting, discontinue use. If the pain persists then seek advice from your Podiatrist.

Day 1 – 30 mins
Day 2 – 60 mins
Day 3 – 90 mins
Day 4 – 120 mins
Day 5 – 150 mins
Day 6 – 180 mins
Day 7 – 210 mins

You should only wear them for 30 minutes on the first day, one hour on the second day, one and a half hour on the third day and so on. Gradually increase the time by 30 minutes daily. After two weeks, you may begin wearing your orthotics full time.

You should not wear your orthotics while running or participating in sports until after the second week and you are finding them comfortable for walking.

After your two-week break-in period, you should wear your orthotics as much as you can. If you can, wear them full time. During this period, you should wear your shoes and orthotics from the moment you get up until you go to bed.

It is normal to feel some strain or aching in your feet, knees, hips or lower back. If this becomes too painful, remove the orthotics until the pain gets better and then try your orthotics again beginning ‘break in’ regime again from the beginning. After a few weeks, you should be wearing your orthotics for most of the day, especially when you are on your feet for prolonged periods or doing any significant amount of walking.

Skin Care

It is important to check your skin twice a day for any signs of marking or redness. If red marks persist for longer than 30 mins or if the skin breaks down, discontinue use of the orthotics and seek a review with your Podiatrist. It is particularly important to check your skin daily if you are diabetic or have reduced sensation.

Placing the Orthosis in the Shoe

When you are preparing to place your orthotics into your shoes, first remove the original insoles from your shoes. Most quality shoes now come with removable insoles.

Place the correct (left or right) orthotic into the shoe. Make sure that the heel sits all the way back against the heel of the shoe. There should be no gap between the orthotic and the shoe. If there is, it is an indication the shoe is too narrow for the orthotic and your foot.

Caring for your Orthotics

You can clean your orthotics with a damp cloth. Do not dry over a heat source as this may deform the shape of the material. Orthotics will become worn with use and their longevity varies between individuals.

If your symptoms recur or the orthotics become uncomfortable, this may indicate you require a new pair.

Follow Up

You may return for a follow-up appointment within 6 months. This visit is important as it gives us a chance to evaluate the function of your orthotics. During that visit we may make adjustments to your orthotics to either make them more comfortable or to function better.