Orthotics and Prosthetics

Foot Orthosis Wearing Instructions

These instructions are intended to help ensure successful use of your Foot Orthosis (FO), also know as a Shoe Insert or Foot Orthotic.  Please read and follow these instructions carefully.  While being fitted with your FO, your Orthotist will instruct you on how to wear and use them effectively.  Some points to remember:

Socks

• Always wear clean, non-elastic cotton socks with your shoes.
• Smooth out all wrinkles before putting on the shoes, making sure that they have not been pulled too tightly over your toes.

Shoes

• Appropriate shoes are vital to the success of your inserts.   Wear only shoe with Laces (preferred) or velcro closures: no loafers or slip-ons.  Make sure laces are comfortably snug to anchor your feet to the shoe so that they work together as one unit.
• It may be necessary to get a larger shoe, anywhere from ½ to a 1½ size larger than your current shoe to accommodate the increased thickness of the insert.  Two important point about shoes and FO’s:
  • Your new FO’s are designed for a specific function; this will be compromised by a poorly fitting shoe
  • Unless you planned on getting custom FO’s your current shoes will not accommodate your new FO’s.
• Sneakers and/or wide shoes with a high toe box, and/or removable insoles are optimal.  If your shoes need to have modifications to the sole (lifts or wedges), look for soles made of a solid material (no air or gel soles).  Notify the sales clerk of what you are looking for and get their permission to return the shoes if, after our inspection, we find that we are not able to work with the sole materials.

Wear and Care

• It is important for everyone to watch for warning signs of ill-fitting FO’s and/or shoes.
• It is especially critical for people with diabetes, neuropathy or arthritis to vigilantly follow these fundamentals
  • Break in your new FO’s by wearing them 1-2 hours for you first day then gently increase wear time by and hour or two until you are up to a full day in (approximately) 2 weeks.
  • Every time you remove your shoes and FO’s it is vital to check your skin for redness, blisters or pressure points. 
    • If you see any reddened areas and you are diabetic or have neuropathy discontinue the FO’s and contact our office immediately.
    • If you have blisters contact our office immediately.
    • If you are not diabetic, or have neuropathy, and do not have blisters, confirm that any reddened areas disappears within 30 minutes prior to reapplying the FO’s and increasing wear time.
• The orthosis may be gently wiped clean (inside and out) with a soft cloth using water and a mild detergent.  Rinse thoroughly and towel dry.  It can be immediately placed back into you shoe and worn.  The material will not absorb any liquid.

Compliance with instructions and follow-up appointments are very important.  At your follow-up appointment your Orthotist will make any necessary ‘fine-tuning’ adjustments to optimize your comfort and function.  It is normal for adjustments to be made to optimize the fit and function of your Shoe Inserts.

If you have any question or concerns about your shoes or foot problems, please contact Strong Orthotics and Prosthetics, at (585)-341-9299.  Your foot health and comfort are very important to us.