3 Clues That Your Orthotics Need Replacing
Our podiatrists turn to orthotics to treat various foot and ankle problems. Orthotic shoe inserts are custom-fitted to support your exact foot anatomy (we take molds of your feet here in our office) and are used to treat plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, flat feet, bursitis, ankle pain, and many other conditions.
Custom orthotics are versatile and effective. But there’s one thing custom orthotics won’t do: they won’t last forever.
So how do you know if your orthotics have gone to the dogs? Here are three signs:
- Your feet or ankles hurt. We prescribe orthotics for specific pain, so if you feel the pain start to return, that’s a sure sign that something’s amiss. Additionally, if you feel pain somewhere else in your feet, that’s a strong reason to have us re-evaluate your orthotics.
- You see signs of wear and tear. Examine your orthotic inserts regularly. Look for cracks and areas worn down, broken off, or unglued. Another place to look for signs of wear and tear is your shoes. Soles that wear down on one side and not the other can indicate a biomechanical issue that your orthotics are no longer addressing – or perhaps a brand-new problem.
- You’ve developed skin bumps. Over-the-hill orthotics may harm instead of help, causing friction between your shoes and your orthotics. Where there’s friction, there are frequently corns or calluses.
Our experienced podiatric surgeons, Dr. Craig B. Frey, Dr. Megan L. Oltmann, and Dr. Jim Swienconek, encourage you to contact us if you notice any of the signs above and bring in your orthotics for a check-up. Call Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland in Solon, Ohio, at (440) 903-1041 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We offer a modern office with the latest technology for podiatric patients in Portage, Geauga, Cuyahoga, and Summit Counties, proudly serving our patients from Solon, Aurora, Bedford, Chagrin Falls, Hudson, Macedonia, and Twinsburg.
