Have you ever wondered when you should change your orthotics? The answer to that question is as individualized as your own feet. You are unique from the inside out and there are so many things to consider before making any changes to your orthotics.
Let’s get technical
Since everyone is different, Chiropodists and Podiatrists carefully take a plaster cast of your feet which become the foundation of your orthotics. It’s generally made of a thermoplastic material, which is heated and molded to your casts. The orthotic shell does the heavy lifting and eventually starts to break down over time as you naturally move around.
Whether it’s a hockey stick, skiis, or your car, any type of equipment performs it’s best when it’s brand new - and it’s the same with orthotics. With each step you take, your orthotics will slightly break down over time.
Why do orthotics break down?
In addition to our individual body types, we all participate in various activities at different intensities and frequencies. For example, an avid runner would likely wear out their orthotics faster than someone running occasionally or just walking. Running is a high intensity activity that requires consistent and hard impact on the ground. Wearing orthotics while running is certainly beneficial; but, it would require the runner to periodically check in with their Chiropodist or Podiatrist. Whether you’re an athlete, weekend warrior or simply going about your daily activities, it’s perfectly natural for your orthotics to break down.
How often should I replace my orthotics?
As a general rule of thumb, you can replace your orthotics once a year. Use your newest orthotics in the shoes you wear the most, and move last year’s orthotics to a secondary pair of shoes. You can get the best results from both by using your most effective orthotics as often as possible. Also, consider how much you walk and the intensity of your various physical activities.
Some people typically have two pairs of orthotics: one pair for their athletic shoes and another pair for their dress or casual shoes. That way, they can have a dedicated pair that addresses their athletic activity needs and another lower-profile pair that can fit into a variety of dress and casual shoes. You have more than one pair of shoes, so it only makes sense to have more than one pair of orthotics. This is a practical way to maintain your orthotics while ensuring your feet are effectively supported wherever you go.
The bottom line
You likely started wearing orthotics because you were experiencing some challenges with your feet, ankles, knees, hips, or back. As your orthotics gradually break down, that pain can start to come back. The best advice is to listen to your body. Keeping your orthotics as current as possible is essential to reducing pain and discomfort.
Experience the HealthCasa difference
We’re serious about your health, well being and satisfaction; and, we won’t rest until you’re happy with how your orthotics feel and fit. With HealthCasa, you can rest assured that all of our orthotics go through a rigorous quality control check process and include a lifetime guarantee against the shell breaking.
To learn more about our full suite of health and wellness services, visit: https://www.healthcasa.com/. In addition to fully customized orthotics, discover the benefits of Chiropody, Podiatry, Physiotherapy and Registered Massage Therapy in the comfort and security of your home. If you live in the Greater Toronto area, certified practitioners are available 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for your personalized appointment with Covid-19 precautions in place.
CONTACT US today to learn more about our services!