Well-designed and fitted orthotics can work wonders for your feet and ankles – but if they’re not fitting properly, they can actually make matters worse. Here are a few signs to look out for that suggest you may need adjustments to your orthotics:
- New or worsening pain and discomfort
Many people find that wearing their orthotics takes a little while to get used to. This is normal – but you shouldn’t feel any extra problems that weren’t already apparent. If this happens, scheduling an appointment with your podiatrist is a good idea.
- Heel pain is a very common result of poorly-fitting orthotics, but redness and blistering are also possible.
- You may even find pain occurring in areas well away from your feet, such as your knees, hips or back.
- Shoes not feeling snug on your feet
With properly-fitted orthotics, you should be able to walk freely with your shoes feeling snug and secure on your feet. If this isn’t the case, it’s a sign that you might want to ask your podiatrist to examine your orthotics and make any necessary adjustments.
- You may feel that your heel isn’t held properly as you lift your foot; thinning the heel part of the orthotic may help with this.
- Don’t try to adjust an orthotic yourself, as changes made without specialist knowledge can cause serious problems later on.
- Unusual wear patterns in your shoes
Orthotics don’t last forever, as eventually they begin to wear out as the material compresses. This can lead to them providing less support than they should, which in turn may result in parts of your feet pressing against the shoe lining or increased foot pain.
- Take care to check that you haven’t tried to fit orthotics meant for one type of shoes into a different pair.
- You may find calluses or areas of dry skin on parts of your feet that haven’t previously had problems.