Things To Expect When You Are Getting Fit For Orthotics
When you're dealing with foot pain that makes walking uncomfortable, it's time to take action by getting orthotic inserts for your shoes. Don't just visit the nearest pharmacy and buy generic inserts, though. It's a better idea to schedule an appointment at your local podiatry clinic. The podiatrist can inspect your foot to determine the likely causes for your discomfort and have orthotics made that are specifically designed for the shape of your foot and that will keep you comfortable whether you're walking or standing. Here are some things to expect during the appointment in which your podiatrist will fill you for custom orthotics.
Lifestyle And Shoe Choices
Your podiatrist will want to know a bit about what types of activities you perform during a given week and what types of shoes you commonly wear. As such, make sure you take the shoes you wear during the workweek and during common recreational activities. This information will help your foot care professional ensure that the orthotics that are made will suit you best. For example, if you spend much of the day standing and you typically wear dress shoes, you'll need a different size and shape of orthotics than someone who wears work boots throughout the day. You should also talk about what kind of socks you wear, as bulky socks can dictate the need for a thinner insert, and vice versa.
Walking Mechanics
Your podiatrist will want to watch your walking mechanics — sometimes across the room and sometimes even on a treadmill — to gauge whether the manner in which you walk will influence the specific type of orthotics that are made for you. For example, some people roll their ankle inward as they step, which can lead to considerable foot and ankle pain. In this scenario, orthotics that provide support to keep the ankle upright will be necessary.
Getting Used To The Orthotics
Although you'll visit the podiatrist again when your orthotics are ready to pick up, you'll often learn about how to get used to the orthotics. Wearing them can be a considerable adjustment; if you've been used to wearing shoes with no arch support and you have high arches, you'll likely feel as though the orthotics are pressing firmly on your arches. You might even feel that your feet are tight within your shoes. Your podiatrist will offer a variety of tips that will help you get used to this change. For example, you can often loosen the laces on running shoes a little so that your feet don't feel as tight.
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