In my last column I wrote about my visit to Foot Solutions and the process the pedorthist, Mike Smith, used to check my feet and make the molds for my custom orthotics.
Orthotics are inserts that replace shoe insoles. They’re shaped to support your foot.
My mother and I went back to pick mine up Saturday before last, and she decided to have her feet checked. It seems I inherited her feet for the most part, but she does not supinate as much as I do. Instead of her ankles bending outward when she walks, she pronates more, and they bend inward. She went through the whole process I did and ordered a set of orthotics.
Smith trimmed my orthotics to fit into my shoes. And we scheduled a return appointment in early August so he can make any other adjustments I need.
I wore the supports to work the next Monday and, boy, did they make my legs tired. It dawned on me later that I had been given instructions to read, but didn’t. Not really smart on my part.
Because I failed to follow directions, I experienced discomfort. Purely my fault, mind you.
I took off my shoes for a while that Monday and it helped, but by the time I got home I was ready to take my feet off for the night. What I had experienced was not really pain. I could feel that the orthotics, which give me a lot more support in my arches and on the outer side of my feet, were working.
My body was responding to the difference in the support in my feet, and I realized it was going to take time to get used to them.
So if you get custom orthotics, please read the instructions before you head out of the house for eight to 10 hours.
According to the orthotics instructions, they are custom biomechanical arch supports made by Sole Supports. They’re manufactured for my lifestyle, activity level, body weight and foot type and calibrated for impact.
They are full-foot orthotics made with an extra “top cover” to ensure they will fit my shoe dimensions. Mine are covered with black fabric, but I was told that if I’d prefer a lighter color, the covering could be changed easily.
Finally, I delved into the in-depth Foot Solutions pamphlet.
Here’s what I learned: You should expect to feel different when you begin wearing orthotics. They will change the way you walk. As the body becomes accustomed, within a few weeks the sensations should disappear. And after a while you probably won’t even notice you are wearing them.
There was a schedule that shows you should wear new orthotics an hour a day for the first day, two hours the second, and so on until you hit eight hours on the eighth day. By the ninth day you should be able to wear them all day without discomfort.
If you start wearing them for long periods at first, the rapid changes can cause cramping and fatigue in the lower leg musculature and possibly arch pain. That’s what happened to me.
Once you are wearing the orthotics for eight hours, transition to wearing them whenever you are on your feet. Sometimes a strained feeling can appear in other parts of the foot, legs and back. That’s also a sign that your body is adapting to your new foot posture.
If the discomfort becomes acute, you should cut the break-in time in half and build up time more slowly.
Diabetics and those with decreased sensation in the feet should check for red spots or sore areas daily. If they occur and are bothersome, the brochure said, consult your doctor.
Before using the orthotics during exercise, it’s best to make sure you are completely comfortable during normal activities. Try a limited workout at first, then gradually increase activity and time.
One of my biggest no-no’s is that I tend to go barefoot at home. Smith recommends I put my less expensive second pair of orthotics into a pair of house shoes.
Thankfully, my new orthotics require minimal care. Avoid placing them in hot areas, keep them away from pets, and wear socks or stockings with them to wick away moisture. They can be cleaned with a mild antibacterial soap or detergent and soft cloth or sponge. If they start to squeak, powder in the shoe might help.
Care should also be taken when choosing appropriate footwear. Shoes with removable inserts are preferred. When you remove the inserts there will be additional room for the orthotic. It’s also best to avoid slip-ons, backless shoes or those with heels taller than about an inch and a half; such shoes require different orthotics.
At first I thought it would be hard to find attractive shoes for use with my orthotics beyond athletic or casual shoes. And I didn’t want to be left wearing those types that are often fastened with Velcro-type closures, and are sometimes big and bulky.
But there are companies that offer stylish, even dressy shoes that will accommodate orthotics. I found several online that offer a variety of boots, clogs and dress shoes.
And Foot Solutions does carry a selection as well.
Email me at: [email protected]
ActiveStyle, Pages 24 on 07/29/2013