How have your custom orthotics been holding up lately? Your orthotics can undergo a lot of wear and tear throughout the day, whether you use them in work boots, dress shoes, sandals, or a combination of them all! Keep reading to learn more about how your orthotics age over time and about the steps you can take to keep your orthotics looking fresh and make sure they last as long as they can.
With all the running around at home, work, and everything in between, it’s normal and expected to see your orthotics become dirty over time. Sweat, lint, sand, dust, mud, and even pet hair all finds their way into your footwear, leading to stains and unpleasant odors over time. These elements can also form small yet uncomfortable bumps on the surface of your orthotics and trap bacteria inside your shoes. For those with sensitive skin, peripheral neuropathy, or diabetes, these bumps and bacteria pose a significant risk to overall foot health and should be monitored daily.
The Solution
The easiest way to care for your custom orthotics is to regularly wipe them down with a damp cloth and gentle hand soap. This practice effectively prevents bacterial buildup and extends the life of your orthotics by keeping them clean and fresh. Avoid soaking your orthotics in water or deep cleaning as this can wear down the glue or adhesive that holds the different parts together. If your orthotics happen to become soaked or submerged, immediately remove the orthotics from your footwear and leave them out to air-dry in a space with good airflow and away from direct heat. Excessive heat can distort certain materials in your orthotics, that provide crucial support to your feet. So, avoid placing them near heaters or out in the sun all day to dry! If you have any concerns about tougher stains or damages to your orthotics, you can schedule a follow-up appointment with your local BioPed clinician to assess the orthotics as needed.
With regular care and cleaning, your orthotics will continue to keep you feeling comfortable even as you approach their replacement time. While custom orthotics have a long lifespan, they will not last forever and the support they offer will start to decline as the materials wear down. Soft, cushioned materials compress and thin out, while the firm supportive orthotic shells may bend or distort over time. As the support from your orthotics changes or weakens over time, you might experience discomfort and strain in your feet and legs during the day. Many insurance plans and extended health benefits cover new custom orthotics every 1-2 years because they appreciate that they do become less effective with heavy use and wear and tear.
BioPed recommends annual check-ups to verify that your orthotics still adequately support your feet and aren’t prematurely wearing out in unexpected areas. Feel free to get in touch with us to explore ways to prolong the life of your current custom orthotics or find out if it’s time to invest in a comfortable new pair today!
