When do my orthotics need to be replaced?
Orthotics may require replacement or refurbishment for a variety of reasons.
The following points will help you determine if you need to see your podiatrist and have your orthotics checked.
Are you applying duct tape to hold your orthotics together? Have they developed a crack or are the covers falling off? They may be smelling or have holes in the covers as they are 10 years old! Have the covers compressed so that the orthotics feel hard?
These are all good reasons to be making an appointment with your podiatrist. Please note at The Perth Podiatrists, our customised orthotics have a lifetime warranty on shell breakage. Orthotics commonly used for sporting activities will wear out more quickly compared to orthotics which are worn for low impact daily activities.
Has your original pain returned, or have you developed a new persistent pain in your foot, ankle, or lower leg? Have you significantly changed your exercise routine? If your original pain has returned it is important to contact The Perth Podiatrists as soon as possible.
Has your foot changed? Surgery on your foot or lower leg can impact your orthotic prescription and with wear your orthotic shape can change, requiring an updated prescription and new orthotics.
At The Perth Podiatrists we recommend an orthotic review every twelve months.
At that appointment we will review any reactive problems and assess your orthotics. If your orthotic covers have worn and you have no reactive problems your orthotics can be refurbished.
In some instances, you may want to use your Health Insurance cover towards a second pair of orthotics for a different pair of shoes, using your original prescription, negating the need to swap your orthotics from shoe to shoe.
Gregory McCluney Perth Podiatrist DIP. POD, POST. GRAD. DIP. (POD)., M.SC. (POD)
