Learn the right way to wear custom foot orthotics daily. Discover expert tips, avoid common mistakes, and get the most from your Genfinity orthotic support.
What to do and what not to do when you use custom orthotics every day
Custom orthotics can change your life by easing chronic pain, improving your posture, and letting you move freely. But just like any other medical equipment, they need to be utilized correctly to get the most out of them.
We at Genfinity think that fitting your orthotics is just the beginning of the journey. It goes on to talk about how you use them in your daily life.
This post is for you if you’re new to wearing custom orthotics or want to know if you’re utilizing them correctly.
DO: Slowly Get Them Used to It
It takes time for your body to get used to new support. At first, going from no support to full-time wear can be uncomfortable.
Take it easy at first:
- For the first two days, wear it for one to two hours at a time.
- For the next three to five days, wear it for three to five hours at a time.
- After one week, wear it all day.
This lets your muscles, joints, and gait become used to the change slowly, which helps with tiredness and pain.
Don’t expect results right away.
Custom orthotics won’t address the problem right away. They help keep everything in line over time, and the effects get stronger over time, especially for persistent problems like plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or knee pain.
After a week, you could notice small changes in your balance, posture, or how tired you feel, but significant change only happens when you wear them all the time.
Be patient with the process, and if you need to, stay in touch with your Genfinity consultant to make changes.
DO: Wear Them with the Right Shoes
Custom orthotics are made to fit certain kinds of shoes. If you wear them in shoes that are worn out or don’t fit, they won’t work.
Pick:
- Shoes with insoles that can be taken out.
- Sneakers, walking shoes, or athletic shoes that have enough depth and structure.
- Shoes that fit tightly but aren’t too tight once you put in orthotics.
Tip: Please bring your favorite shoes to your Genfinity appointment so that we can make sure the orthotics fit them well.
DO NOT wear them with flip-flops or high heels
Putting your orthotics in open sandals or heels may seem like a good idea, but it can compromise their function.
Orthotics are made to give stability and fix biomechanical problems, which open or unstable shoes can’t do. Genfinity can make custom sandals or slim-fit orthotics for formal shoes if you require them. Please ask us!
DO: Watch Out for Wear and Tear
Custom orthotics are made to last, but they do wear out with time, just like tires on a car.
Look for:
- Cracks in the arch or shell.
- Flattened cushioning.
- Uneven wear on one side.
- Pain coming back after months of comfort.
Most of the time, orthotics last one to two years, depending on how often they are used and what they are made of. Genfinity checks in with you regularly and re-evaluates to make sure your support is still working.
No Don’t ignore new pain or discomfort.
Don’t just push through the pain if your orthotics are making it worse. Pain is a sign.
It could be:
- Misalignment from incorrect wear.
- A change in your activity level or gait.
- The orthotic material wearing down.
- You merely need a small modification or tweak.
Contact Genfinity for a follow-up appointment following your fitting. We offer high-quality aftercare to make sure your experience stays helpful and not stressful.
DO: Regularly Clean Them
Healthy feet come from clean orthotics.
To clean:
- Use a moist towel with mild soap.
- Don’t soak or wash in the machine.
- Let them air dry; don’t put them in direct heat or sunshine.
This stops smells, skin discomfort, and the material from breaking down.
Genfinity’s Promise for Aftercare
Our objective at Genfinity isn’t just to sell you a product; we want to help you with your whole orthotic experience.
What you get from us:
- One-on-one help with how to use it.
- Follow-up checks to make sure it’s comfortable and works well Re-fitting and making changes if your body or needs change.
- Advice based on your lifestyle (job, sport, age, weight, foot condition).
We make sure that your orthotic experience is unique, high-quality, and pain-free.
Need help with your orthotics?
Book a support appointment with our staff today, whether you’re just starting out or something doesn’t feel quite right. We’re always here to help you figure out what to do next.