| E ORTHOTICS? | | | | A low heel shoe such as a gym or tennis shoe |
| Orthotics are shoe inserts that are intended to | | | | should be worn for the first two weeks. After |
| correct an abnormal, or irregular, walking pattern. | | | | this, the orthotics may be worn in other shoes, |
| Orthotics are not truly or solely "arch supports," | | | | providing the heel height does not exceed 1-1/2 |
| although some people use those words to | | | | inches, or your doctor has specifically prescribed |
| describe them, and they perhaps can best be | | | | devices for high heels. |
| understood with those words in mind. They | | | | Squeaking of the orthotics within the shoes may |
| perform functions that make standing, walking, | | | | be eliminated simply by applying powder in the |
| and running more comfortable and efficient, by | | | | shoes, and applying wax or soap to the front |
| altering slightly the angles at which the foot | | | | edge of the orthotic. This will help to reduce |
| strikes a walking or running surface. | | | | friction. |
| Doctors of podiatric medicine prescribe orthotics | | | | Socks should be worn during the adjustment |
| as a conservative approach to many foot | | | | period to minimize any irritation. |
| problems or as a method of control after certain | | | | Some slipping of the orthotic may occur within |
| types of foot surgery; their use is a highly | | | | the shoe, particularly in women's shoes, but this |
| successful, practical treatment form. | | | | will usually diminish in about six weeks. If the |
| Orthotics take various forms and are constructed | | | | orthotic does not "seat" properly in the shoe, we |
| or various materials. All are concerned with | | | | recommend you try different shoes or shoe |
| improving foot function and minimizing stress | | | | styles. |
| forces that could ultimately cause foot deformity | | | | You may clean the surface of your orthotics with |
| and pain. | | | | cool water and a mild soap, but do not immerse |
| Foot orthotics fall into three broad categories: | | | | them in water. Also, never use hot water for |
| those that primarily attempt to change foot | | | | cleaning your orthotics, as this may affect the |
| function, those that are primarily protective in | | | | material. Genuine leather orthotic devices may be |
| nature, and those that combine functional control | | | | cleaned with mink oil, saddle soap, or other leather |
| and protection. | | | | cleaners. |
| ORTHOTICS FOR CHILDREN | | | | Most importantly, follow your doctor's instructions |
| Orthotic devices are effective in the treatment of | | | | completely. |
| children with foot deformities. Most podiatric | | | | Orthotic Wearing Instructions |
| physicians recommend that children with such | | | | 1.You must gradually adapt to your devices, |
| deformities be placed in orthotics soon after they | | | | especially if you have never worn orthotics |
| start walking, to stabilize the foot. The devices | | | | before. As a rule, wear them one hour the first |
| can be placed directly into a standard shoe, or an | | | | day, two hours the second day, and increase the |
| athletic shoe. | | | | wearing time by one hour each day. Normal |
| Usually, the orthotics need to be replaced when | | | | "break-in" time is from two weeks to two |
| the child's foot has grown two sizes. Different | | | | months. Generally, children adapt more rapidly |
| types of orthotics may be needed as the child's | | | | than adults. |
| foot develops, and changes shape. | | | | Please note: Mild foot, leg or back discomfort may |
| The length of times a child needs orthotics varies | | | | initially occur when first wearing orthotics. This |
| considerably, depending on the seriousness of the | | | | should decrease with every subsequent day. If |
| deformity and how soon correction is addressed. | | | | pain occurs that was not previously present, wear |
| OTHER TYPES | | | | your devices every other day, and increase |
| Various other orthotics may be used for | | | | wearing time by only ½ hour, until you no longer |
| multidirectional sports or edge-control sports by | | | | have pain. (Your doctor may deviate from these |
| casting the foot within the ski boot, ice skate | | | | instructions according to your unique condition.) |
| boot, or inline skate boot. | | | | 2.A low heel shoe such as gym or tennis shoes |
| BREAK IN AND ENJOY | | | | should be worn for the first two weeks. After |
| Like anything in life, it can take a short while to | | | | this, the orthotics may be worn in other shoes, |
| adjust to your new orthotics, You may feel them | | | | providing the heel height does not exceed 1-1/2 |
| because they're working with each step to | | | | inches, or your doctor has specifically prescribed |
| properly position your foot in your shoes. The | | | | devices for high heels. |
| result comfort and health will have your feet | | | | 3."Squeaking" of the orthotics within the shoes |
| feeling wonderful. | | | | may be eliminated simply by applying powder in |
| What to expect at first: | | | | the shoes, and applying wax or soap to the front |
| When experiencing your custom orthotics for the | | | | edge of the orthotic. This will help to reduce |
| first time, they should feel firm, but comfortable. | | | | friction. |
| The best results come easing into them. We | | | | 4.Socks or stockings should be worn during the |
| suggest wearing them for two hours the first | | | | adjustment period to minimize any irritation |
| day, four hours the second day, and six hours the | | | | 5.Some slipping of the orthotic may occur within |
| third day, and then full time. | | | | the shoe, particularly in women's shoes, but this |
| Everyone's feet are different. Give your feet and | | | | will usually diminish in about six weeks. If the |
| muscles 10-14 days to adjust to their new | | | | orthotic does not "seat" properly in the shoe, we |
| support. If you still feel discomfort after this, | | | | recommend you try different shoes or shoe |
| please call Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists for an | | | | styles. |
| appointment. | | | | 6.You may clean the surface of your orthotics |
| Mild foot, leg or back discomfort may initially occur | | | | with cool water and a mild soap, but do no |
| when first wearing orthotics. This should decrease | | | | immerse them in water. Also, never use hot |
| with every subsequent day. If pain occurs that | | | | water for cleaning your orthotics, as this may |
| was not previously present, wear your devices | | | | affect the material. Genuine leather orthotic |
| every other day, and increase wearing time by | | | | devices may be cleaned with mink oil, saddle |
| only ½ hour, until you no longer have pain. (Dr. | | | | soap, or other leather cleaners. |
| Thomajan may deviate from these instructions | | | | Most importantly, follow your doctor's instructions |
| according to your unique condition.) | | | | completely. |