Orthotics are a big investment in your health. One of the major ways you can prolong the lifespan and effectiveness of your orthotics is by keeping them in tip-top condition! Our podiatrists share their tips and tricks for you to care for your orthotics.
A top (cover) – down approach to care for your orthotics!
At Advance Foot Clinic Podiatry, our custom orthotics are made from either EVA or polypropylene; these are both hard-wearing materials designed to last for up to several years. The base device is protected by a ‘top cover’ which both protects the orthotic device from wear and tear, and makes the orthotics more comfortable on your feet.
This top cover is replaceable, but your orthotics aren’t! So our number one tip to increase the longevity of your orthotics is to monitor the top cover for excessive wear and replace the cover before the top of your orthotic receives any damage!
To care for your orthotics look out for:
- Thinning
- Breaks
- Peeling
- Orthotic visible underneath
- Unpleasant odour
If you spot any of the above, please contact us to book in for an orthotic review appointment. We can recover your orthotics as needed, even if they weren’t originally made by Advance Foot Clinic.
Don’t let your orthotics live in your shoes
Yes, orthotics are designed to be in your shoes most of the time; however when you aren’t wearing them it’s best to take them out of your shoes and let them breathe in some fresh, cool air out of the sun. Giving them some ‘time out’, ideally once a day, will let any trapped moisture evaporate and reduce the risk of any germs or debris building up on the orthotic. When doing this you should also shake out your shoes to remove any loose debris which may damage them over time.
Cleaning your orthotics
Dos
- Take out and clean your orthotics at least once a week
- Clean your orthotics more frequently when visibly soiled or odorous
- Use a light, mild detergent and lukewarm water or a gentle antibacterial wipe to gently wipe the top cover and sides of the orthotic
- Inspect and clean the shoes you will be putting the orthotic back into
- Be gentle when removing and replacing your orthotics
Don’ts
- Submerge or wet the orthotic – this may cause the orthotic to warp, come apart or change shape
- Use hot water – this may warp the orthotic or cause the glue between layers to melt
- Sit the orthotic in the sun or other very hot environments while cleaning or airing
- Force your orthotics into or out of your shoes
Care for your orthotics and fit them properly to your footwear
Your podiatrist designed your orthotics to fit the footwear you brought to your appointment. This means that your orthotics may not fit into any new footwear you buy and may not work effectively without modification. You may also damage your orthotics if you try to force them into ill-fitting shoes.
Please bring any new footwear you intend to wear your orthotics in to your podiatrist for a fitting consultation. Small adjustments may need to be made to your existing orthotics, or potentially we can prescribe a new set of orthotics appropriate to your new shoes (second set discounts can apply – please ask).