After acquiring custom orthotics from a podiatrist, you will notice a significant improvement when you stand, walk, or run because the devices relieve pain and improve your gait. Notably, orthotics last longer if you maintain them accordingly. Unfortunately, most people do not bother with orthotic care. While the devices are made from robust materials, wear and tear can affect their effectiveness. Here are maintenance tips to make sure that your custom orthotics deliver optimal performance and last long.

Remove Orthotics From Shoes 

Custom orthotics fit snug inside shoes; hence, most users prefer to leave them in there to avoid installing and uninstalling them every time they want to head somewhere. However, orthotics can absorb too much moisture, especially if your feet sweat a lot, accelerating wear and tear. Eventually, moisture causes orthotics to lose shape and malfunction, compromising their effectiveness in treatment. Removing orthotics from your shoes every night allows them to dry adequately and eliminates any odours they pick from your feet. Moreover, removing orthotics from your shoes allows them to continue forming around your feet.

Bring Orthotics When Buying Shoes 

At face value, this might not seem like a care tip for orthotics, but it goes a long way in ensuring the devices are effective and deliver extended service life. Notably, the fit of two pairs of shoes might be different even if they are the same size. Therefore, just because you see a nice pair of shoes that match your size does not mean that your orthotics will fit snugly. The best thing you can do is carry your custom orthotics whenever you want to buy a new pair of shoes. To be safe, buy a pair that is approximately a size bigger so that the extra space can accommodate your orthotics.

Keep Orthotics From Extreme Temperatures 

Extreme temperatures are not recommended for custom orthotics; therefore, try to keep them away from significantly hot temperature sources as much as possible. For instance, when you go to the beach in shoes and want to feel the sand between your toes, keep the shoes with orthotics under a shade. Do not leave them inside your car or the trunk because such spaces pack a lot of heat. Similarly, do not air-dry custom orthotics in direct sunlight for extended periods because the heat causes them to lose shape. On the other hand, exposure to extremely low temperatures stiffens orthotics, leading to cracks.