Orthotic inserts can change how stress is dispersed on your feet and help prevent a number of foot conditions, but like a lot of things in life, they may need to be replaced after a set period of time. Much like it’s recommended to replace your mattress every so often because the support it provides can fade after handling an extended period of stress, your orthotics should be managed in a similar manner.
But how do you know when it’s time to replace your orthotic inserts? We share four clues that it’s time to replace your orthotic inserts in today’s blog.
When To Replace Your Orthotics
If any of the following are true about your orthotics, consider investing in a new set.
1. Your Feet Are Uncomfortable – Orthotics are supposed to help your feet feel comfortable inside a shoe. If you’re noticing that your feet are uncomfortable despite the orthotic, or new pain is developing, it’s time to either swap out your orthotics for a new pair or set up an appointment with a foot specialist to get to the bottom of your discomfort.
2. Visibly Worn – If your orthotics remain in your shoes, you may not really notice that they have worn down unless you take the time to pull them out of the shoe. Every month, take your orthotics out of your shoe and examine them. If the padding has decreased, they are excessively worn in one location or they have holes, cuts or rips in them, it’s time to buy a new pair.
3. New Blisters – Blisters suggest that one area of your foot is handling more stress, pressure or friction than normal. Newly formed blisters may suggest that your orthotics are no longer providing the support they once did. If you have any new blisters, calluses or similar formations on your feet, and you didn’t just switch to a new pair of shoes, consider upgrading your orthotics.
4. No Longer Symmetrical – Finally, it’s also helpful to compare the inserts to one another. If one looks much different than the other in any way, it could be an indication that one is wearing out faster than the other. The two orthotics may be identical, but your feet aren’t, and that can cause them to wear down differently. Different wear patterns suggest that one insert may not longer be providing the support your foot needs.
