Comfort Shoe Specialists
11693 Manchester Rd
St. Louis, MO 63131
314-822-3300
Orthotic devices
Break
in instructions
Each time you buy new shoes or orthoses (orthotic devices) it is important not only your feet to get adjusted to this new environment gradually, but also your ankles, legs, knees, hips, and back. Shoes alter the biomechanics of your gait significantly. Orthotic devices of any type can alter the biomechanics of gait even more.
We suggest you wear your new shoes and/or orthotic devices no more than one hour at a time, two times a day the first two days. If you feel comfortable, increase to two hours, for the next two days. Continue this one-hour increase every other day for the next seven to ten days.
For athletic use, begin with 25% of your normal activity using your new orthotic devices and/or shoes. Upon each outing, increase the time in your new product 25%. For example: If you normally run 4 miles a day, you run in your new shoes and/or orthotic devices for 1 mile the first outing, then 2 miles the next outing, 3 miles and so on. If you become uncomfortable, cease wear for 1 to 2 days and then begin the break-in process again. It may take 3 to 4 weeks to become completely acclimated. The discomfort you may experience is normal and is the result of the added support necessary to reduce your pain.
Especially important for those with diabetes and/or neuropathy:
Be sure to examine your bare feet after the removal of your shoes and/or orthotic devices. If you notice any areas of concern (redness, blisters, rubbing) contact a health care professional immediately.
Give all new products a chance to work. Most people report a 70% relief of their symptoms within the first 4 to 6 weeks of wearing their foot care products. However, it may take as long as you have had your symptoms for your symptoms to be resolved.
We give you the casts of your feet. They are worth $50 toward another pair of semi-rigid or tirlaminate orthoses. Plastazote orthoses are made directly to you feet, so there are no casts.
Care
of the semi-rigid orthoses
Our semi-rigid orthotic devices may be full foot, heel to ball or dress. They are generally covered in Spenco because of its shock absorption and protection from shear. However they may be covered in leather or another thin material. The bottom cover is made of pigskin for durability. The heart of the orthoses is made of polypropylene, a semi-rigid to rigid plastic. Polypropylene will last for years and should not lose its contoured shape. However you must replace the top covers from time to time. Everyone wears their orthoses differently; some may need their top covers changed every six months and another person might not need a top cover for years. To clean your orthoses use mild soap and water with nylon brush and scrub, but do not saturate with water. Air-dry overnight. It is a good idea to remove your orthoses from your shoes each night so that air can dry each side plus reach the insoles of your shoes. This is especially important if you perspire heavily.
Care
and life of Trilaminate orthoses
Trilaminate are made of three layers of materials; Puff, Poron, with cork used on the bottom for posting. You should return every year to have a pedorthist check your trilaminate to see if they are still functional. They should last several years. Clean with a soft cloth and soapy water.
Plastazote
Orthoses
Care
and life of Plastazote orthoses
Plastazote, sometimes referred as soft tissue supplementation, comes in two densities. They are direct mold orthoses made of the softest density for cushion on top with the firmer density on the bottom for support. After 2 to 6 weeks of wear they will mold into the contours of your feet. This gives us an “in gait” impression of where you bear the most weight in your feet. We modify the orthoses to unload the high-pressure areas and reinforce the orthoses with Poron, the most shock material available that will not compress. Plastazote orthoses need to be replaced every 6 months to one year. To clean use a damp cloth with mild soap cleaner.