Q: I have recently had a pair of orthotics made and I now I feel like my feet are turning out. What should I do?
A: Your feet may feel different after getting orthotics as they are changing the way you walk and stand, however you should be able to tolerate the change. If something does not feel right to you, you should ask your doctor to arrange a follow-up appointment with an Occupational Therapist.

Q: My feet hurt since I started to wear my orthotics. Is this normal?
A: No, it is not normal to have increased foot pain after getting your new foot orthotics. If you do, you should ask your doctor to refer you to an Occupational Therapist to get them adjusted.

Q: Can I wash my orthotics?
A: The best way to clean your orthotics would be to wipe them down with a cloth that has a small amount of soap and water on it.

Q: My orthotics won't fit in all my shoes. What should I do?
A: Orthotics fit best in shoes with a removable insole. They will likely not fit in shoes that are smaller than the shoes that you had your orthotics make for. If you have concerns about the fit of your orthotics and would like to discuss further options about getting support for various shoes, please arrange an appointment with an Occupational Therapist. You can also check out our Footwear Checklist for proper footwear qualities.

Q: I had foot orthotics made last year and now I need a new pair. Do I need a new referral?
A: Yes, you need a new referral to get a new pair of orthotics made in Occupational Therapy each year. If you have insurance coverage, you will also need this referral to get coverage for your orthotics.

Q: My therapist advised me to get proper shoes before getting orthotics made, but when I went to the shoe store I was told that I needed the orthotics first before getting shoes. I'm now confused and don't know what to do first.
A: In Occupational Therapy we recommend that you get proper shoes before getting your orthotics. We advise this for two reasons. One is to ensure that you are getting the right shoe and the other to make sure that the orthotic is fitting properly and is comfortable and supportive. Please refer to our Footwear Checklist for proper footwear qualities.

Q: I have a hammertoe on my right middle toe. It has become red and it is painful from rubbing against my shoe. Any suggestions?
A: The first things to consider are the shoes that you are wearing. Make sure that you are wearing shoes with a wide and deep toe box. There are also various devices and toe props which one can wear to help decrease the pain of a hammer toe. You can find these devices in various drug stores, health care stores, and foot care stores. If you require further information about toe devices and/or proper footwear, please contact your Occupational Therapist.

Q: How long will my orthotics last?

A: Temporary Soft Foot Orthotics
If your therapist made this type of orthotics, they can be expected to last on average for approximately 6 months. How long they last depends on how much you are on your feet. If you are on your feet a lot, the orthotics will likely need to be replaced earlier. On the other hand, if you're not on your feet a lot, your temporary orthotics may last you up to a year.

Semi-Rigid Permanent Foot Orthotics
These orthotics last for approximately 2 years and, again, this depends on how active you are on your feet.

NOTE: If you have concerns that your feet are no longer well supported, please contact your O.T. to have an evaluation of you feet and current orthotics. You may need some adjustments to your orthotics or you may need a new pair. If you haven't seen your Occupational Therapist over the past six months, a new referral is required.