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How Long Will I Need to Wear Custom Orthotics?

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There is a common assumption that once your pedorthist prescribes custom orthotics, you will have to wear them forever. However, this is not always the case. Aside from alleviating pain and discomfort caused from biomechanical defects, custom orthotics are also used to support the joints, muscles and tendons of the foot while recovering from an injury.  

How Orthotics Work

Custom orthotics are used to treat pain and discomfort caused by a variety of conditions by correcting the biomechanics of the foot. If left untreated, poor posture and misalignment can eventually lead to knee, hip, and back pain. Misaligned feet also put a lot of wear and tear on the joints and muscles. 

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At ProMotion Healthcare, our custom orthotics perfectly contour the foot in a way that ensures the entire foot is involved in supporting the body. Evenly distributed weight helps to reduce the amount of force and pressure placed on the ball of the foot, heel, and arch, reducing overall pain and discomfort. 

How Long Do Custom Orthotics Last?

Custom orthotics typically last between 1-3 years, depending on the amount of wear and tear they sustain. Adjustments made due to weight loss, weight gain or injury may also affect the lifespan of your orthotics.

Our custom orthotics are designed using a 3D scan of your foot. The scanner analyzes your gait and over 40 thousand pressure points. This information is used to create a one of a kind orthotic for each foot, tailored to your lifestyle and activity level.

We recommend an annual foot scan to document any changes in your biomechanics and to make adjustments if needed.  

When Can I Stop Wearing Orthotics?

If your pedorthist prescribes custom orthotics, it’s important that you wear them as recommended. Failure to wear them as prescribed may exacerbate pain and discomfort, as well as cause further damage to the muscles and tendons.

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Orthotics for Long-term Wear

When custom orthotics are prescribed to correct a structural issue such as high arches, flat feet, or if you are frequently engaged in high-impact sports, orthotics may be a long-term or even life long solution. 

Orthotics for Short-term Wear

Custom orthotics may be prescribed for short-term, a few months to a year, if their assistance is needed to ensure that a muscle or tendon injury heals properly. 

We encourage our clients to continue wearing their orthotics as long as we feel they will help to prevent a more serious structural or functional issue in the future. 

What If My Orthotics Are Uncomfortable?

It is imperative that you wear your custom orthotics as prescribed to maximize their benefits. However, there is sometimes a “breaking in“ period of about 2-3 weeks where you may experience some discomfort while your feet adjust to the orthotics. The amount of discomfort may vary based on your condition and prior history of orthotics wear. 

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There are typically 4 reasons why you may feel discomfort when wearing custom orthotics:

1.Muscles need time to adjust

Custom orthotics change the mechanics of your foot, which also affects the way you use the muscles in your feet. This sometimes results in discomfort. Try wearing your orthotics for a few hours a day, and increase the amount of time you wear them until the discomfort subsides.

2.The Orthotics Need To Be Adjusted

If you’re still experiencing discomfort after the initial “breaking in“ period, contact our clinic in Barrie, and our orthopedist would be happy to adjust them for you. Adjustments to our 3D custom orthotics only take 3 or 4 days!

3.Wearing Improper Footwear

Orthotics shouldn’t be worn in shoes that are too small, too tight, or have uneven soles. Your shoes should provide support, have a firm sole, and enough room in them to accommodate the orthotics. 

4.The Orthotics Need To Be Replaced

If your orthotics have provided you with effective pain relief for the past couple of years, and have recently started causing you discomfort, it may be time for a new pair. Custom orthotics last between 1-3 years, depending on your level of activity. 

If you are in need of a new pair of custom orthotics, contact ProMotion Healthcare in Barrie to schedule an appointment with our foot care specialist today!

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