6 months or 6000 miles
Orthotics are devices used to correct/ improve biomechanical abnormalities and reduce pain + pressures of everyday activities. These devices are designed to support the arches of your foot and redistribute plantar pressures to help relieve/reduce pain. While some conditions can be helped with over-the-counter orthotics, some ailments require custom molded orthotics. As the name suggests, custom molded orthotics are made from a cast of the foot to allow each pair to match the shape, size and contour of the user's foot. Your podiatrist will take your pathology, diagnosis, lifestyle, and treatment goals into account when determining which orthotic is best for you.
Unfortunately, every so often, we come across patients that previously had orthotics that didn’t help them as they’d hoped. It’s disheartening – and patients often begin to believe that orthotics just don’t work for them or stopped working, without understanding why. It is important to know that orthotics require routine maintenance and can be adjusted if they are no longer functioning well. During routine check ups your podiatrist will monitor your progress to ensure you’re getting the results and relief you want and can adjust and make changes to the orthotics to help your progress, too. While orthotics are made with durable materials and built to last. They are going to last forever, the wear and tear of supporting your feet every day through all your activities will take its toll over time. This along with changes to your feet, gait and simply aging can all by cause for adjustment to your orthotics.
Visit one of our Foot & Ankle Centers of Excellence to learn more about orthotics and orthotic maintenance.
