Custom orthotics get recommended for a wide range of conditions, from plantar fasciitis to flat feet to knee pain that traces back to how the foot moves. But a lot of patients aren't sure what the process actually involves before they book, so here's the practical version.
The first appointment is an assessment, not a fitting. We look at how you stand, how you walk, your footwear, and take you through your history and what you're hoping to fix. If orthotics are appropriate, we take a mould or digital scan of your foot in a corrected, neutral position, which is what makes a custom device different from an off-the-shelf insert: it's built to hold your foot in the position we want, not just cushion it.
Manufacturing usually takes one to two weeks. At the fitting appointment, we check the orthotics in your actual shoes, not just on their own, since fit inside footwear affects comfort as much as the device itself. Some patients feel the correction immediately; for others it takes a short adjustment period, similar to breaking in new shoes.
A sensible break-in plan is to wear them for two to three hours on the first day, increasing gradually over one to two weeks rather than jumping straight to all-day wear. Mild aching through the arch or calf in the first few days is common as your foot adjusts to a new position; sharp pain, numbness, or discomfort that's getting worse rather than better is not, and is worth calling us about.
Orthotics aren't a one-off purchase and done. We review them at follow-up to check they're still doing their job, and reassess if your activity level, weight, or symptoms change significantly, since the device that suits marathon training isn't necessarily the one that suits recovery from surgery.
Ready to get this looked at?
Book an appointment online and let us build a care plan around you.