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If we have prescribed custom molded orthotics for you,
here is what you should know about them and how to use them.

Foot orthotics are prescribed and used today almost as commonly as eye glasses and contact lenses. Ask any shoe store sales person, serious athlete, coach, trainer or the whole range of health care professionals. They all know about prescription, custom made orthotics. Some people call them arch supports, because they look something like old fashion arch supports. But the orthotics that we prescribe for you and that were custom made from casts or impressions of your feet really are not intended to support your arches.

What your orthotics are intended to do is capture, realign and retain the correct anatomical relationships between the various bones and segments of your feet. That is why great care was taken when your feet were casted. These casts or impressions are used by the laboratory to make accurate models of your feet. It is the same way that a dentist works with a dental laboratory.  Your orthotics will take between 2.5 and 4 weeks to be constructed.

After your foot models were corrected for your particular problem, one of a number of materials are used to create the body of the orthotic. Then, strange looking additions called "control posts" were added to or ground into the body of the orthotic at the heel or forefoot. These special angles that were incorporated into the control posts actually create motion and subtle movements that your feet need to function properly. These motions enhance shock absorption, improve muscle function and blood circulation and limit deforming forces that your feet experience when they "do not work right."

Conditions treated with orthotics include:

Your foot orthotics were prescribed by us for one or more specific reasons. They were constructed from specific materials and include specific design depending on your specific condition, physical status, activities, occupation and types of shoes worn. Since each orthotic is made separately for each foot, they may not appear to be identical. However, each orthotic should conform well to each respective foot. It will generally appear narrower than your feet, and they should fit comfortably in your appropriate shoes without binding or spreading the heel counters. The heel posts may appear to be large, but please note that your heel fits deeper into the heel cup. If they do not, then the orthotics may require some reshaping or reduction of their dimensions. We will make such determinations as needed.

How to use your orthotic.
Your foot problems took time to develop. They will take time to resolve as well. That is why it is unrealistic to expect miracles as soon as you start to use your orthotics. You will probably find that your orthotics may be uncomfortable at first just as eye glasses or contact lenses are. This sensation should pass and you will soon enjoy wearing them. But, you must follow these instructions precisely.

1. Regardless of how comfortable your orthotics may feel, do not wear them for more than one hour on the first day, not more than two hours on the second day and three hours on the third day and so forth.
2. If your orthotics really bother you before you have reached the maximum wearing time for day, take them out of your shoes. On the next day resume wearing your orthotics, but only for as long as your wore them on the previous day.
3. From this point, increase wearing time by 15-30 minutes a day instead of one hour and only if you are comfortable.
4. We will appoint you for an orthotic check up visit in two weeks, which is when most patients are wearing their orthotics comfortably most of the day.
5. Do not be alarmed if you develop some mild aches or transient discomfort in your knees, hips or back. Remember, your feet are forming the foundation of your body, and as they become more properly aligned so will the rest of your body. Inform us of your discomfort and reduce the amount of wearing time. When comfortable you may once again slowly increase your wearing time.
6. After your foot orthotics are dispensed it is possible that they may need some adjustments, refitting or additions. This is generally done after about 1-3 months have elapsed as your feet are starting to realign and function better. The laboratory will work closely with us to achieve the best results for you.
7. The shoes that you work in play an important role in maximizing the therapeutic value of your orthotics. Therefore, we will advise you concerning your foot gear However, it is generally best to wear shoes that have as deep a heel seat as possible for better control and reduced heel slippage. The occasional squeaking caused by the desirable subtle orthotic movements in the shoe can be minimized or eliminated by applying soap or wax to the edge of your orthotic or by dusting baby powder into your shoes before you insert your orthotics, or both.
   

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