Instructions For Wearing Orthotics

Congratulations on selecting custom casted foot orthotics from Bio-Mechanical Advantage.  

It will take approximately 1 - 6 weeks for you to become accustomed to wearing your new orthotic devices.  To minimize any discomfort you may experience during the break-in process, and to assist you to care for your orthotics, please follow these instructions: 

1. Wear the orthotics for one hour the first day, two hours the second day, increasing the time by one hour each day.  By the end of the first week,  you should be wearing the devices seven hours a day. Children usually adapt more rapidly than adults.

2. Muscles soreness and/or stiffness, anywhere from your foot to your lower back is common during the break-in process.  This is usually a sign that the desired postural adaptations are occurring.  This type of discomfort usually lasts for a day or two then diminishes.

3. However, if you experience any sharp, burning, or aching pain (i.e. other than what you had been experiencing prior to wearing the orthotics) which lasts for more than two days, discontinue wearing the devices and contact our main office.    In most cases, this type of problem can be alleviated by modifying the wearing schedule.   In other rare instances, a physical adjustment or fine tuning of the orthotic is necessary.  

4. If you have any concerns that your orthotics are creating a problem or aggravating an existing condition, please do not hesitate to contact us.

5. Because sport and recreational activities involve much higher loads on the muscles than walking, it is recommended that you do not wear them for such purposes until you have been able to wear them comfortably all day,  every day for at least one week.  

6. The orthotics should be worn with socks or stockings during the break in period to minimize discomfort.

7. If the devices squeak in the shoes, sprinkle a light layer of baby powder in the shoes.

8. The orthotics may be cleaned with soap and lukewarm water - hot water will damage them.  Similarly wet shoes should be dried with the orthotics removed, as the heat inside the shoe may damage the orthotics

9. If the orthotic shell or the heel post (i.e. the stabilizing device sometimes used on the bottom of the orthotics) become damaged, notify your orthotic provider. The material used for the protective plate on the heel post is there to reduce wear of the posting material and may crack and require replacement from time to time.   This does not reduce the efficiency of the device and should not cause concern.  Likewise, the covers may need replacement from time to time.

10. Contact us at the main office if you have any difficulties or questions about your orthotics.

11. Your orthotic provider will advise you of the frequency required for follow-up visits to monitor your progress and/or fine tune the devices to your feet.