A foot orthosis is a podiatric treatment that helps maintain your quality of life by correcting weakness in the feet. To respond to the diagnosed problem and achieve the desired results, the foot orthosis must be maintained and evaluated through annual follow-ups. This maintenance guide tells you what you need to do once you’ve bought one.
How often should I change my foot orthoses?
There are no predefined rules on how often orthotics should be changed, since wear and tear varies from one patient to another depending on a number of factors:
- The materials used in manufacture: a quality material means that the orthosis is more resistant and lasts longer.
- Use: the nature of activities varies from one person to another. An athlete or a construction worker will wear their orthoses more than an elderly person.
- Age: when the foot changes, so does the orthotic prescription: for growing children, foot orthotics may have to be changed every year or 2. For adults, this can vary between 3 to 5 years.
- Weight: a significant change in weight can affect the effectiveness of the orthosis. For example, if a child grows quickly, the orthotic brace may no longer fit the child’s foot, or if there is weight gain, the thickness of the material used may be inadequate, causing it to sag and lose its effectiveness.
- Technology: some orthoses can be modify, so you can adjust the prescription without having to change your foot orthoses.
- Diligence: people who neglect their foot orthoses follow up and may need to change them more frequently.
What signs should I look out for before changing my orthotics?
If you notice the return of initial symptoms or the appearance of new pain, it is advisable to talk to your podiatrist about monitoring your orthoses. He will assess whether a simple modification is sufficient or whether a complete change is necessary.
Follow-ups of foot orthotics promote effectiveness.
Podiatric follow-up is recommended to maintain the performance of your orthoses for as long as possible.
Usually, when you receive your foot orthoses, a period of adaptation of 3 to 4 weeks is necessary before evaluating their effects. The first follow-up is scheduled between the 6th and 8th week. The podiatrist will check that the treatment is comfortable and effective, based on improvements in symptoms, posture and so on. A follow-up is then required between the 6th and 12th month. This evaluation enables us to monitor the body’s reactions to the treatment and to assess whether any changes are necessary.
Is it necessary to carry out maintenance follow-ups even if there is no pain?
Yes, because the human body is constantly changing. Even a patient whose symptoms have completely disappeared and who feels very well with his orthoses should have an annual follow-up. This type of consultation is preventive in nature and allows the podiatrist to adjust the orthoses before any pain occurs.
Can inadequate maintenance have repercussions?
A worn orthotic does not work as prescribed, which can affect posture and lead to new pain. This is when treatment becomes inappropriate for the patient.
Is the Cryos dynamic orthosis different in terms of maintenance?
Cryos orthoses are designed to be prescribed in the vast majority of cases without a cover, in other words without top cover fabric. This makes maintenance much easier, as there is no fabric wear and no odour associated with the absorption of perspiration and bacteria by the covering materials. The orthotic brace is easy to clean with warm, soapy water.
Valuable advice on orthotic maintenance and follow-up.
Every case is unique, so take the time to discuss your orthotic treatment plan with your podiatrist. Your podiatrist is the health professional available to advise you on the type of orthoses best suited to your needs.