Trimming?
Sometimes the top cover may be a bit too long or wide, for this reason clients will possibly need to trim them. However they should be warned to do this by firstly, taking out the original insole of the shoe, and using this as a template. Trim a little at a time, as it’s easy to take a bit more off, but you can’t stick it back on!
How much do I wear the devices?
This requires a two tier answer:
- When you first receive your devices follow these instructions:
- Day 1 = 1 hour
- Day 2 = 2 hours
- Day 3 = 3 hours etc.
- However there is a maximum. Each individual is different, you may require less per day, and allow yourself to adapt to them more slowly. Your practitioner will guide.
- DO NOT TRY TO ADAPT TO THEM FASTER!
- When an established wearer. They should be in your footwear all the time.
What about when I’m at home?
Yes, even when you’re wearing slippers or wellies! (Once you’ve been wearing orthotics for awhile, you’ll notice a real difference when you don’t wear them in your shoes/trainers/sandals/wellies/ or slippers.)
What if I can’t fit them into my existing shoes?
Most people will find their existing shoes to be OK, but firstly, make sure to take out the original shoe insert. Occasionally new shoes are required. If this is the case, always take your orthotics with you when getting fitted for new footwear.
Changing from one shoe to another shoe.
Yes you can change them from one shoe to another, you might soon get fed up with this, and go the easier route of buying a few different pairs. (i.e superflex/ sportsflex/eagle/ fashion foot etc.)
Do I need to buy specialist footwear?
No, you can find footwear to accommodate the devices; however, TOG now has a range of footwear for both men and women, including a sports trainer. These shoes come with deeper shoe bases, into which the orthotics fit nicely. The cost of the shoe includes a pair of orthotics. When buying any new shoes, ALWAYS TAKE YOUR ORTHOTICS with you.
Should I exercise in them?
Eventually, yes. (If new to wearing orthotics, remember only to wear them for the periods indicated by your practitioner. )
How long will they last?
Perhaps up to 5 years or more. But always take them out of the shoe if they get wet, and leave them to dry naturally. This will help lengthen their life.
Can I wash them?
It is better to sponge them down, than throw them in the washing machine. They are extremely well made, but glue is used, and washing them will in time weaken the adhesive.
Can I get more, and what will they cost?
Yes you can get more. The price will depend on a number of factors. However the cost should not be as dear for the first pairs, as the practitioner already has your scan.
What if I lose them, or they get stolen?
As above, just contact your practitioner, they can order you a new pair sometimes without you even visiting them again.
Will I always have to wear them?
99.9 % Yes. Having established a biomechanical fault, the orthotics has been prescribed to rectify the way you walk/stand. By not wearing the orthotics all the time, the fault/weakness will re-appear, causing pain to re-immerge. Going without for short periods may be tolerated by some people.
Do my children need them?
Perhaps. As with most genetic faults, if your mother or father had eye sight problems, you will most likely have inherited that same weakness. Your children in turn may inherit this biomechanical weakness and require support.
Will my feet change, resulting in the need to update the devices?
Not for adults, but perhaps for children. The biomechanics causing the need for the orthoses are generated by the bony architecture of the feet. Therefore as the bones will not change, the orthotic devices are required to support the surrounding soft tissues. However, as children grow, they will require updated orthotics.
