Orthotics are prescription medical devices that are worn inside the shoes to improve biomechanical foot issues that cause problems in walking, standing or running. Studies have concluded that foot orthotics have beneficial effects for people with flat foot, arthritis and bursitis.
While brand new orthotics can relieve a multitude of foot issues, wearing worn out orthotics can lead to a lot of detrimental effects that you may not even realise. The tag on your orthotics might tell you they’ll last you another two years or so, but it ultimately comes down to a few factors when determining whether they need replacing or not. Let’s look at a few of them:
Your foot or knee pain has returned
Your orthotics are supposed to relieve you of foot pain. If your pain is back, that’s an obvious indication of your orthotics’ inability to treat it any longer. You shouldn’t feel any pain while standing or running with orthotics, and if there’s formation of calluses and corns all over the sole, that’s how you know the orthotics are worn out.
Assess your orthotics’ lifespan
You can figure out how long your orthotics will last based on how many times you wear them and what activities you perform. If you wear them twice a week for a casual jog compared to an athlete who wears them daily for sports-related activities, then it’s likely that your orthotics will last longer than the athlete’s.
They appear old
Thinning soles and broken pieces are not how orthotics are supposed to look. If the plastic on your orthotics is worn out and appears to be cracked, that’s one of the signs that their life is running out, and that they’re unable to fulfil their purpose of assisting your feet.
Look under your shoes
Orthotics are responsible for correcting deformities on your feet. By looking at the bottom of your shoes, you can assess whether there have been any signs of uneven wear. If such is the case then that implies that you’re your foot structure is misaligned and the orthotics are no longer functional.
Other significant changes
Changes in your lifestyle can also determine whether you need new orthotics. Changes in the body such as pregnancy and any foot or leg injuries are likely to change the shape of your foot slightly and may necessitate a change in your orthotic prescription. This is so because orthotics will no longer be able to accommodate the changes that your body has gone through.
If you’re in search of prescription orthotics or podiatry services in Toronto, let SEMI assist you. We provide consultations and a range of other services that allow you to keep up with the athletic lifestyle you desire. Book a consultation with us today!
