How Long Does It Take to Adjust to New Orthotics?
Image Courtesy of Total Shape
Everyone will experience joint pain or discomfort at some point in life. No one knows this better than athletes and people who work on their feet. Many people turn to custom orthotics to deal with sore feet and other painful foot conditions.
If your orthotics are right for you and designed to meet the unique needs of your feet, these shoe inserts can relieve stress and strain on the foot. Unfortunately, if your orthotics are not properly fitted, they can contribute to your pain rather than alleviate it.
Custom insoles can significantly benefit a patient’s foot health. If, however, they are causing pain, it’s important to look at what the cause of the pain may be and determine if the insoles should be adjusted or if there are any underlying health conditions to look into. While your orthotics may feel new and different, particularly when you first wear them, they should never be uncomfortable or painful. If you are experiencing pain, consult your Pedorthist.
Benefits of Orthotics for Knee Pain
When your orthotics are a good fit for you, they will not cause knee pain. They will cushion and support your feet while making it easier to maintain good posture. Because no two people have an identical musculoskeletal system, customization is key to obtaining high-quality orthotics.
The “break-in period” can take time. You may have to wear your custom orthotics, identify small problems, and have them reshaped or adjusted gradually. In the end, you should be able to obtain orthotics that are perfectly suited to your body and your lifestyle which relieve pain and help prevent injury.
Can Orthotics Hurt Your Knees?
If your orthotics are not right for you, you may experience knee pain. Orthotics can often change the way the user holds and moves their body while walking or standing, altering weight distribution and foot mechanics. An extreme example is a person wearing high-heeled shoes. Wearing these shoes will change the way they stand. Similarly, using an orthotic insert will lift one part of the foot, changing the person’s entire posture. Even if the change in posture is slight, if done incorrectly, over time it can cause stress and strain above and beyond the original condition.
Why Your Custom Orthotics May Be Causing Pain
There are several reasons why orthotics may be causing a patient knee pain:
Ease into Wearing Your Insoles
Wearing orthotics can feel strange for some patients, but it’s important to ease into this transition. Having to hold the body in a slightly different posture for a prolonged period can put tension on muscles and tendons that the wearer is not accustomed to using. Consider wearing your orthotics for shorter periods and increasing the wear time until you are wearing them full-time.
Skeletal Issues
Another reason is that the change in posture is exacerbating an existing skeletal issue. If your orthotics are exacerbating an existing skeletal issue, see an experienced Pedorthist to evaluate your custom orthotics to make adjustments if needed.
Your Orthotics May Not be Right for You
Each foot is different and may require unique care and attention. If your orthotics are causing significant knee pain, they may not be the right orthotic for you. Off-the-shelf orthotics are not made to meet the needs of the wearer and can sometimes cause more harm than good if they are not properly fitted. A custom made orthotic from a professional Pedorthists can ensure that you are improving your foot health, and not causing long-term or additional pain.
Custom Orthotic Solutions
Get custom orthotics that are uniquely designed for your feet and avoid long-term knee pain. For more information about knee pain and solutions for your unique foot requirements, contact the expert team of Pedorthists at SoleScience.
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