Your New Orthotics – Wearing-In & Care Guide
How to introduce, use and look after your new orthotics.
Your new orthotics have been prescribed specifically for you following your assessment at The Podiatry Clinic.
They are designed to help redistribute pressure and loading, improve comfort and support the management of your condition.
Orthotics can feel unusual at first. Start slowly, build up wear time, and contact the clinic if you develop persistent pain, rubbing, blistering or numbness.
Build up slowly
Start with short periods and gradually progress towards normal daily use as comfortable.
Use suitable footwear
Orthotics work best in shoes with adequate width, depth and secure fastening.
Review included
Your package includes a 6-week review and up to two adjustments within the first 3 months where clinically required.
Patient Information Sheet - Orthotics Wearing-In & Care Guide
Please follow this guide when introducing your orthotics. Contact the clinic earlier if you experience persistent pain, rubbing, blistering, numbness or skin damage.
Getting used to your orthotics
Your orthotics may feel unusual initially as your feet and lower limbs adapt to them. You may notice increased support under certain areas of the foot or mild muscular awareness during the first few days.
We recommend introducing them gradually:
- Days 1–2: 1–2 hours per day
- Days 3–4: 2–4 hours per day
- Days 5–7: 4–6 hours per day
- After 1 week: gradually progress towards normal daily use as comfortable.
This is only a guide. Some people adapt more quickly and others need longer.
Do not push through significant pain. If the orthotics cause persistent pain, rubbing, blistering or numbness, reduce or stop wearing them and contact the clinic.
Footwear
Orthotics work best in footwear with adequate width and depth and a secure fastening such as laces or straps.
Where possible, remove the existing removable insole before inserting your orthotic. This creates more room and helps prevent the foot sitting too high inside the shoe.
Not every orthotic will fit every shoe, particularly very narrow or shallow footwear.
Sport and exercise
Become comfortable wearing your orthotics for normal walking before gradually introducing them into running, gym activity or other higher-impact exercise.
If you have also been given a rehabilitation or exercise programme, continue this as advised. Orthotics are often one part of your overall treatment rather than a replacement for rehabilitation.
Cleaning and care
Remove your orthotics periodically and wipe them with a damp cloth and mild soap if required. Allow them to air-dry naturally.
Avoid radiators, tumble dryers, very hot water or other sources of excessive heat, as this can damage or alter the materials.
Regularly check the orthotics and top covers for excessive wear or damage.
Your orthotics review
We recommend a review approximately 6 weeks after dispensing to assess your comfort, symptoms and progress and make any adjustments where required.
Your orthotics package includes:
- fitting and wearing guidance
- a 6-week review
- up to two adjustments within the first 3 months, where clinically required; and
- a 1-year manufacturer's warranty for eligible manufacturing defects.
Please bring your orthotics and your most frequently worn footwear to your review.
When should I contact the clinic?
Please contact us earlier rather than waiting for your review if you develop persistent or increasing pain, significant rubbing, blistering, numbness, skin damage or difficulty wearing the orthotics.
If you have diabetes, reduced sensation or circulation problems, check your feet carefully when introducing new orthotics and contact us promptly if you notice persistent redness or skin damage.
The Podiatry Clinic
Need help with your orthotics?
Use the free guidance call if you are unsure what to do, or book an orthotics assessment if you need a new assessment or scan.