When you get new orthotics to deal with any foot malaises you may have, you set in motion a process of restoration. Unfortunately, for many, this initial restoration process causes discomfort, pain, and pressure on the foot. This is what warrants the orthotic break-in period.
The orthotic break-in period slowly warms up your body and legs until you can put on the orthotics for hours and do strenuous activities without incident.
How Long Does It Take to Adjust to and Break in a New Orthotic?
There is no one size fits all response to this. Rather, it depends on the patient's situation, the kind of orthotics, how well-fitted it is, and the frequency and duration of usage.
Generally, it is expected that the orthotics break-in period will last between 2-4 weeks. Your orthotic break-in or adjustment is complete when you can comfortably wear the orthotics all day.
If the discomfort or soreness continues after four weeks of wearing the orthotics as prescribed, they may need to be adjusted or replaced.
How to Break in New Orthotics
Begin by wearing the orthotics for a maximum of 1 hour at a time. Continue to increase this figure daily by an hour until you are perfectly comfortable in your orthotics. This gets your foot used to the new pressure that your orthotics provide.
Also, you will need to avoid strenuous activity that can add pressure to the leg at the initial stage of orthotic use.
