Is It Time to Replace Your Orthotics?
Walking and running are some of the best forms of exercise a person can engage in. Orthotics can certainly be beneficial for runners, but they are also instrumental in treating a wide range of injuries or ailments that might affect you. Today, our podiatrists, Dr. Stuart Snyder and Dr. Sara Sharma of Maple Springs Foot Center, LLC are sharing some information to help patients determine if it’s time to replace their orthotics.
As with any physical product, orthotics are not intended to last forever because the materials used to build them breaks down over time. This has a negative impact on their capacity to perform the function they were meant to.
Because they have a limited shelf-life, how do patients determine when it is time to replace their orthotics? The first sign will be the effectiveness in treating the condition they were prescribed for. If old medical issues are reoccurring, it’s time to come back in for an evaluation.
Before you book that appointment, consider the following checklist.
How do the orthotics feel while you are moving or standing still? If you experience discomfort, they need to be replaced.
What is their appearance? Remove the inserts and assess them for wear and tear. If there is any cracking, breakage, or thinness, it is time to replace them.
Are your shoes being worn in a standard manner? An effective pair of orthotics will improve your natural gait. Shoes that have abnormal wear patterns, such as excessive wear on either the outside or inside edges, are an indication that things are not working as they should be.
Regardless of what foot or ankle condition you are experiencing that would benefit from a custom pair of orthotics, we will create them for you. When they fail, as is normal, we can construct a new pair for your unique feet.
If you are wearing orthotics and are wondering if it’s time to replace them, contact the offices of Dr. Stuart Snyder and Dr. Sara Sharma of Maple Springs Foot Center, LLC today. You can call us at (301) 762-3338 to schedule an appointment or book it online. We can help you determine the best course of action to ensure that your orthotics are doing the job they were meant to do. And if not, we’ll discuss your options for replacement.
