Upstep Answers
Our team answers your questions about the causes and treatment of various podiatric conditions, including plantar fasciitis, flat feet, foot pain, and the use of custom orthotics.
Recent Answers
Should I Refurbish Custom Orthotics or Buy New Ones?
Orthotics don't last forever, and at some point, they will be too worn down to give you any more use. Continuing to wear them could bring about more problems than benefits, and so you'll have to decide between refurbishing old ones or purchasing new ones. Refurbishing Custom Orthotics A new pair of custom orthotics can cost hundreds of dollars, which many people may not be able to afford. As it turns out, orthotics, even custom ones, can be refurbished for a much cheaper price. One thing to consider is the severity of the condition that you are treating. If your symptoms are mild and don't require a particularly radical adjustment to your natural gait, then refurbishment is likely all you'll need and will be much cheaper than buying a new pair. Additionally, if your orthotics are still relatively new and are still functioning correctly, then you might be able to get away with a simple refurbishment. Replacing Custom Orthotics If your orthotics are extremely old, have suffered significant damage or wear and tear, or simply aren't giving you the right support anymore, then replacing them is likely the route you'll need to take. Changes to your condition could also require a new pair of different orthotics with specific standards that can't be implemented in the refurbishment of existing orthotics. While you can refurbish mildly worn or damaged orthotics, they all have a definitive lifespan. The Final Verdict When deciding whether to refurbish old orthotics or purchase new ones, there are a lot of things to take into account. Thankfully, you likely won't have to replace them more than once a year, and sometimes can even keep them longer. Usually, there will be follow up treatments for most podiatric issues and your podiatrist will be able to give you an educated opinion on whether you will be alright to refurbish your existing orthotics or if a new pair is required.
Asked 2 years ago
Can You Work Out in Orthotics?
Using orthotics during workouts can be useful if you want to keep your feet in a good condition. A well-designed pair of orthotics can make things easier for you while lifting weights, but there are a couple of things you need to know before using them in your gym shoes. While choosing the right orthotics for your fitness shoes, the size should be impeccable and hence, custom-made orthotics could be more effective. Depending on the conditions of your feet, you might require either hard insoles or soft insoles. A person with foot deformities or muscle imbalances might need hard insoles to improve them, while soft insoles are easy to wear and give good paddling to the joints of arthritics. Can Orthotics Cause More Problems? Without prior medical conditions, the correct size of orthotics shouldn't create any issue if it fits your feet to the inch. However, oddly shaped insoles could lead to issues in knees, ankles, or feet along with sore muscles. Conversely, if someone with underlying conditions decides to try orthotics without an expert's advice, you run the risk of hurting yourself with a poor choice. Benefits of Using Orthotics While Working Out Orthotics give numerous positive benefits while exercising. They provide proper support to your ankles, lessen the chance of injury, give your body better balance, boost your workout capacity, and much more. Whether a runner or a regular gym-goer, both can avail these common benefits of orthotics.
Asked 2 years ago
Why Do My Custom Orthotics Hurt While Breaking In?
It is natural for custom orthotics to be uncomfortable in the first few weeks when your feet are still getting used to them. This varies from person to person and may take anywhere from 5 days to a month. Make sure you are wearing them in the right shoes, and break them in gradually. Breaking In Custom Orthotics When you put custom orthotics into your shoes, they slowly start to change the way muscles make your feet function. The insoles adjust your alignment, gait, and posture. In fact, it is more a case of familiarizing your body with the orthotics than breaking them in. Bad habits take time to change. How to Break In New Custom Orthotics Start wearing new custom orthotics gradually, with an hour a day, then slowly increase the time until you feel comfortable enough to wear them continuously. At first, you should avoid wearing your new orthotics for strenuous activity, sport, or long periods of standing. If after a month they are still causing you pain, talk to the manufacturer about adjusting or replacing your custom orthotics. Conclusion To give your body time to adjust to new insoles you should break them in slowly. But given 1-4 weeks you should no longer feel any pain. If after a month or so you are still uncomfortable, you may need to get your custom orthotics adjusted.
Asked 2 years ago
Should I Wear Orthotic Insoles When Exercising for Foot Pain?
Most conditions that cause pain in the feet will naturally worsen during exercise. If you have a painful foot condition and are prescribed orthotics for them, you might find yourself asking yourself whether you can wear them during exercise or not. Luckily, there is some positive news about this. Using Your Custom Orthotics While Exercising If you have a pair of custom orthotics, they have been designed to make your feet operate in a certain way for as much time as possible, and this includes during exercise. In addition, most orthotics are designed to fit in neutral shoes, which applies to trainers as well. The only thing you have to be concerned about is that the increased impact on your orthotics might cause them to wear down quicker than if you were sedentary. However, don't let that be a reason not to use them. Purchasing Insoles Specifically for Exercise If you don't already have a pair of orthotics prescribed for a foot condition, you might still benefit from getting a premade pair to use while exercising. If you are prone to heel or foot pain, you might be susceptible to plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a number of situations, including excessive impact stress to the bottom of your feet. If you feel that you might need a little extra cushioning on your feet during exercise, consider getting a pair of insoles. Check With Your Podiatrist If you still have reservations about whether or not your insoles can handle the added pressure of exercise, consulting with a registered podiatrist can help you make the decision.
Asked 2 years ago
Is It Normal for My Insoles to Hurt at First
Adjusting to new insoles - either premade or custom-built - can be uncomfortable at first. They are changing the way that your foot operates, which takes some getting used to. However, they should never cause more pain than you were experiencing before, and if they are, then there might be something wrong. How the Orthotic Break-in Period Should Feel Breaking in insoles should be like breaking in shoes When a podiatrist or physical therapist fits you for insoles or orthotics, they will usually warn you of experiencing discomfort during the 3 to 4 week break-in period. Although it may take longer than breaking in new shoes, it shouldn't be any more uncomfortable. If the insoles or orthotics actually cause pain, then there is a problem that needs addressing. Either they were poorly made or poorly fitted, which means that they need to be re-examined. If this is the case, you should stop using them immediately as it could actually lead to further problems. In Conclusion Whether you are getting a pair of custom orthotics prescribed just for you or trying out a generic pair of over-the-counter insoles, experiencing more pain than you were before is a red flag and should be addressed immediately. However, it's important that you don't mistake discomfort for pain.
Asked 2 years ago
Recent Posts
Can't find what you're looking for?