Custom Orthotics
Purchasing a pair of custom orthotics from the Dun-Dix Healthcare Clinic in Mississauga ensures that you are receiving a high-quality piece of equipment that will endure for years to come. When compared to cheap drugstore insoles, which tend to wear out in a matter of months or even weeks, our orthotics may often give excellent foot pain treatment for many years. But, sadly, nothing lasts forever—especially if they’re made to be both comfortable to wear and durable enough to be stepped on on a regular basis. Even the most effective orthotics will ultimately need replacement at some point in time. That is why knowing how long your orthotics will last, as well as what to look for in a pair that has “aged,” is quite beneficial. We want to have your orthotics repaired or replaced as soon as possible so that they can continue to support and protect your feet. Unfortunately, determining that point isn’t always as simple as it seems. While a normal custom orthotic may last between two and three years on average, not every situation is the same as the others. Some individuals need to change theirs every year, but others may get 5 years or more (and sometimes even much longer) out of theirs before replacing it. To put it another way, it really is a case-by-case situation. However, as previously said, you can still learn to recognize the early warning symptoms and ensure that you come in for your annual orthotics exam in order to guarantee that you are getting the most out of your orthotics for their entire service life—without having to wait too long to upgrade!
Is it Comfortable to Use Orthotics?
Yes, they are meant to feel comfortable! Your doctor will take the time to develop orthotics that are pleasant to wear and that fit comfortably into the shoes you already own. It is likely that you may notice a decrease in pain and other problems such as walking difficulties and other concerns after utilizing orthotics for a period of time. If you’ve been noticing that your custom orthotics have been causing you pain rather than relieving those symptoms it may be an indication that they need to be replaced or modified.
What Are the Benefits of Custom Orthotics?
When walking long distances, custom orthotics are often used to relieve discomfort in the feet and to provide extra comfort in your shoes. Custom orthotics provide a variety of advantages that the majority of people are not aware of. Some of these advantages include the reduction of physical discomfort, the improvement of posture, and the addition of comfort during sports-related activities.
Our inserts are created and custom-shaped at the Dun-Dix Healthcare clinic to suit the size and form of your foot, as well as contour the foot precisely. The primary difference between store-bought shoe inserts and custom orthotics is that custom orthotics are selected specifically to fit your foot shape. Our team of medical specialists is highly experienced in analyzing and diagnosing your problem areas, as well as in constructing a bespoke orthotic that is properly matched to your needs and specifications.
Because we realize that every foot is different, we can provide you with the best insert possible for your needs. This will not only ease your discomfort, but it will also significantly enhance your quality of life. The use of the most up-to-date technologies allows our professionals to completely solve your foot difficulties. We are capable of identifying the issues that you are experiencing as well as identifying structural anomalies in your home. Despite the fact that it does not just reduce pain, this kind of therapy is incredibly popular since it also helps you in your day-to-day life.
What are Orthotics, Exactly?
Orthotics are medical devices, which means they are much more than just shoe inserts in certain cases. It is possible to get the devices adjusted to suit your foot and relieve tension on your muscles and joints. Orthotics may be beneficial for anybody who has biomechanical abnormalities, but the most prevalent disorders are those associated with plantar fasciitis, diabetes, arthritis, shin splints, and bursitis, among other things.
Is it Possible to Have my Orthotics Adjusted or Repaired Rather Than Having Them Replaced?
In many instances, the answer is yes!
Obviously, this is dependent on the age of the orthotics, the materials used to construct them, the extent of the wear or damage, and how much your foot mechanics have altered in the intervening period.
However, in most cases, we would prefer to repair, refurbish, or alter your orthotics rather than completely replace them if at all possible.
Several orthotics may be modified to a certain extent, such by heat molding, altering the arch height, adding more cushioning or material, adding heel lifts, replacing coverings, and using other techniques.
Factors That Might Have an Impact on the Lifetime of Your Orthotics
Once again, custom orthotics are made to endure for years to come, and our objective is to ensure that you get the most out of each pair of orthotics that you purchase. After everything is said and done, there are several recurring criteria that may be used to evaluate if your specific pair of orthotics will last longer or shorter than planned. These are some examples:
Materials for construction: Generally speaking, orthotics composed of semi-rigid materials such as graphite or carbon fiber, for example, are predicted to last somewhat longer than orthotics made of extremely soft and squishy materials like rubber or plastic.
How often you put them on: In general, most of our orthotic patients are recommended to have their orthotics with them at all times. It’s possible that some people may only need orthotics for certain shoes or activities, and that other people will require various pairs of orthotics for different pairs of shoes. Those shoes will last longer if you aren’t walking on them every day, or if you are just walking on them for a couple of hours per day.
It’s all about your way of life. As you would assume, those who spend a lot of time standing and walking (or even running and leaping) will wear out their orthotics more quickly than those who spend the majority of their time sitting or lying down.
It’s your body. So, let us put it this way: an NFL linebacker is more likely than a 90-pound grandma to wear out his orthotics more quickly—and this isn’t only because the linebacker has a more active lifestyle than the grandmother. The more weight you have on your frame, the more pressure your inserts will have to withstand.
Major events in one’s life or in one’s medical history: Custom orthotics are made to match not just a unique foot form, but also a specific set of gait mechanics, which is why they are so effective. Major events such as surgery or pregnancy may have a significant impact on both. As a result, even though your orthotics may not be visibly damaged, they may no longer be effective for your needs and must be replaced.
Simply put, your body is changing: Things like pregnancy and surgery were mentioned as examples of occurrences that might substantially alter the form of your feet or gait in a short period of time. However, the fact is that our feet are constantly changing form throughout the course of our lives, just as a result of regular aging and usage. After several years of usage, your orthotics may need to be re-casted and changed, regardless of whether or not they are in good condition otherwise.
When Should Foot Orthotics be Updated and How Often?
In terms of longevity, custom-made foot orthotics may last anywhere from one to five years, depending on how much use and abuse they get. Using the following criteria, you may determine whether or not your orthotics are in need of replacement:
- Consider taking a look at the bottoms of your shoes. Do you have any concerns about uneven wear? A pair of custom foot orthotics is designed to restore the alignment of your body as well as any anomalies in your feet. Uneven wear on the bottom of your shoe indicates that they are no longer performing their function.
- Dislodge the orthotics from your shoes and inspect them for any broken pieces, cracks, or evidence that the soles have become worn. When the soles get too thin or the orthotics begin to crack or shatter, it is necessary to change the footwear and orthotics.
- Your custom-made foot orthotics will need to be replaced if your body changes, whether it's due to pregnancy or weight gain or loss, or if you've had knee surgery, among other reasons. In the absence of replacement, they will be unable to adapt your altered body form and weight.
- When back discomfort, ankle pain, or foot pain first appears, it's time to switch out your orthotics for something more comfortable.
- Keep an eye out for calluses or corns as well, since they indicate that your feet have been scratching the inside of your footwear.
- The material from which your orthotics are produced will aid you in determining whether or not they need to be replaced. Hard plastics, for example, need replacement only every five years, but soft plastics and foams require replacement every year or two. Finally, the length of time you spend wearing your custom-made foot orthotics can assist you determine whether or not they should be replaced.
- When you use your orthotics for sports and exercise, they will wear out much more quickly than if you only use them for your everyday activities.
If you have worn orthotics, it is critical that you change them before they fully fail. If you continue to walk on worn-out custom foot orthotics, you may get back discomfort and headaches as a result.
Indicators that Your Orthotics may Need Repair or Replacement
Pain and discomfort are the primary warning signs that you should be most worried about. If your orthotics were previously effective, but you’ve suddenly noticed that your feet are experiencing aches and pains more often, this should serve as a giant, flashing red warning that something needs to be done about it.
Having said that, you should also evaluate your orthotics on a regular basis for indications of wear and deterioration. Of course, a minor stain or a pair of scuff marks are usually nothing to be concerned about.
However, if you observe materials warping, cracking, or buckling, your orthotics are most likely on their way out—assuming they are still doing any good at all.
Also, if you do any of the following:
- Going through a big life or medical event, such as pregnancy, surgery, or an accident, may be quite stressful on the orthotics condition.
- Are making any major modifications in your diet and physical activity.
- Whether you gain or lose a significant amount of weight.
While there are a variety of reasons why your custom orthotics may need to be replaced, any abrupt change in your way of life should serve as a reminder to you to determine whether your orthotics are still appropriate for your requirements at this point in your life.
Proper Custom Orthotics are an Essential Need for Proper Pain Management
At our facility, we provide our patients in Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area with the best quality, most lasting, and most effective medical custom orthotics available.
Our products are constructed of high-quality materials that meet or exceed the requirements for medical accuracy. We stand by the quality of our goods and the expertise of our team of professionals. Initially, our medical specialists will do a thorough assessment of your foot and will make recommendations based on the results of the examination to guarantee that you have the appropriate inserts for your foot.
Having proper custom orthotics that are personalized to your needs will not only reverse the effects of pain but will also prevent any future complications and health risks. To learn more about our custom orthotics contact our clinic and speak with one of our experts.