How to Tell if You Need New Orthotics

Custom orthotics are built to last a long time. In fact, a good pair that’s well cared for can, in the best of circumstances, remain useful for several years. However, even the best and most lightly used orthotics will eventually need to be refurbished, repaired, or replaced.

In order to keep you standing, walking, running, and working without pain, custom orthotics need to provide the right level of biomechanical support and cushioning. Once it loses this ability—either due to the orthotic breaking down or your needs changing—you’ll need to make an adjustment.

But how will you know when that time comes? Here are some key questions to ask:

How do your feet feel? Orthotics are designed to take away your foot pain and soreness. If you’ve noticed that, recently, those symptoms have started to creep back into your life, it’s time to get your orthotics checked.
Have you made any major lifestyle changes? The way you walk and use your feet can change drastically over the course of a lifetime. It can happen gradually as a result of aging and weight gain—or, on the other hand, increasing your activities and improving your fitness. It can also happen swiftly as a result of pregnancy, significant injuries, surgery to feet, knees, hips, or back, etc. Because these events alter your walking gait and biomechanics, you may need an adjustment to your orthotics as well.
Are your orthotics damaged? A few scratches or scuffs probably aren’t the biggest deal. However, if any part of the frame is cracked, or padding has compressed or begins peeling off, an adjustment or replacement is likely due.
Has it been more than a year since you’ve had your orthotics checked? We recommend that all people with custom orthotics get their inserts examine on an annual basis. This allows us to regularly evaluate how your orthotics are performing, determine whether or not they need to be replaced, and if necessary make minor adjustments that will allow them to serve you even better.

It bears repeating—just because your orthotic isn’t working perfectly now doesn’t necessarily mean you need a brand new one. Often, components can be refurbished or adjusted, allowing you to continue using your “like new” existing orthotics.

To schedule your appointment, give us a call today at 972.853.7100.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

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Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.