How to Really Wear Orthotics

Orthotics help you overcome foot pain, heel pain, and any number of conditions that could harm your feet and make walking uncomfortable. If you use the orthotics correctly, that is. If you don't, then you could make your feet and legs feel much worse, and it doesn't take much in the way of incorrect use to cause an issue. Some of the preparation for using orthotic insoles may seem excessive at first, but they're simple, and they all have to be done for a reason.

You Do Need to Remove — Even Rip out — the Original Insoles

The shoes you buy in stores have their own insoles. These may be flat or moulded. In either case, you need to remove them. They can force the custom orthotic insoles you have to sit unevenly in the shoes and cancel out any benefit of the orthotics. Many times you can just take the original insoles out of the shoes as they aren't glued down. If you do have a pair that are glued, you may need to rip them out. Wear gloves, grab one end of the insole, and gradually lift it out.

Both Feet Need Them, Even if One Foot Doesn't Need Them

Yes, that does sound weird. What it means is that, even if you need the orthotic insole for one foot only, you should wear two custom insoles, one being the orthotic and the other being a special insole that helps elevate your other foot just enough to keep both feet even with each other. The custom orthotic insole might be slightly higher than the regular insole in the other shoe, and wearing just the custom orthotic in one shoe could make you walk unevenly, as if one leg were a bit shorter than the other. By having a pair of matching custom insoles, even if only one is meant to help a foot problem, you prevent a new problem from forming.

Pay Attention to Adjustment Time According to Your Podiatrist

The orthotics should be comfortable in general from the start. You shouldn't experience additional pain or have trouble walking comfortably. However, you may experience an adjustment period where walking could feel a little strange. Talk to your podiatrist to see how long that adjustment period should go on. Any longer than that, and it's time to go back to the podiatrist for an adjustment.

Orthotics should make your feet feel good and remove pain. By wearing the orthotics correctly, you can be on the road to recovery quickly.

Talk to your podiatrist for more information about orthotics.