Using Your Orthotics To The Fullest
Orthotics can be life-changing, especially if you work on your feet and struggle with frequent foot pain. They can help ease everyday muscle and joint pain, and they can prevent bigger problems like corns, calluses, and Achilles tendinitis. However, you do need to make sure you're wearing and using orthotics properly in order to maximize their benefits. Here are some key guidelines to follow.
Buy flat orthotics unless you have a reason not to.
When you look at orthotics for sale, you will notice that some have more padding in the heel, others have more padding in the forefoot, and others are equally padded over the entire foot. Unless your podiatrist or a doctor has specifically instructed you to buy orthotics with more support in one part or another, you should buy ones with equal padding throughout. Otherwise, putting too much material under just your forefoot or just your heel could alter the way you stand and walk, putting excess strain on various tissues in your feet and legs. Orthotics with equal padding will give you cushioning without dramatically altering your gait or posture.
Wear thinner socks when you wear your orthotics.
Orthotics take up space in your shoe. If you wear too thick of socks with them, your shoes will fit very snugly, which can cause a whole different set of problems. So, look for thin socks to wear with your orthotics. Since the orthotics provide cushioning and help guard against blisters and calluses, they should be all you need, anyways.
Let your orthotics dry every night.
When you get home at night, it's actually helpful to take your orthotics out of your shoes until the next day. This gives them a chance to air out. This way, excessive moisture won't distort them or contribute to fungal infections or bacterial infections of the feet. Removing the orthotics also gives your shoes a chance to dry. If you have a job where your feet sometimes get wet, or if you have overly sweaty feet, then you may actually want to have two pairs of shoes and orthotics to rotate between. This allows you to give each pair a full day to dry between uses.
With the tips above, you can use your orthotics to the fullest and enjoy more comfortable, pain-free feet. Talk to your doctor or podiatrist if you experience any discomfort or any other struggles with your orthotics.
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