Santa's new custom orthotics that Dr. Vail ordered for him arrived and Santa came down in a flash to try them on. Santa was very impressed with the way his heel pain has improved with the night splint , stretching exercises , and theraband roller - still some pain but not as much with the heels know as Plantar Fasciitis.
When Santa tried on the new custom orthotics his heels felt very well cushioned and arches very well supported. Dr. Vail's staff directed Santa on how to break in the new custom orthotics and advised he purchase a new pair of Santa Boots back at the North Pole.
Congratulations Santa! You have just received your new orthotics. This represents the most advanced, scientific concept in functional foot care. They have been custom-made for you and your individual foot problems.
Your new pair of Custom orthotics will support your foot in the "Neutral Position." This position allows for controlled pronation (necessary for shock absorption), but prevents excessive flattening of the arch and rolling of the heel, which can lead to overuse injury.
The body must adjust to this new support. Because foot orthotics change the movement of your foot, you may experience an adjustment period of 1 to 6 weeks. You may feel some discomfort during this time frame such as foot or leg cramping, skin irritation, or joint pain; but this should pass. It is important that the orthotics are NOT worn all day at first. If you have removable insoles in your shoes, and they create a fitting problem remove them to wear your orthotics. Your orthotic must rest on a flat surface to function properly. We recommend the following break-in schedule:
DAY 1: Wear the orthotics for 2 hours (including sitting time), then remove them from shoes. DO NOT use the orthotics for a sports activity until they are fully broken in.
DAY 2: Wear the orthotics for 4 hours (including sitting time).
DAY 3: Wear the orthotics for 6 hours (including sitting time).
DAY 4: Wear the orthotics for 8 hours (including sitting time). You should be able to wear them all day long from now on. If not, continue to gradually increase the hours of wearing until you can wear them all day.
If you develop ankle, knee, or hip pain while breaking in the orthotics, remove them from your shoes immediately. Do not wear orthotics for one or two days, until the pain subsides. You may take aspirin if necessary. Begin wearing the orthotics at a duration equal to one or two hours less than the amount of time you wore them on the day the pain began. Continue with the break-in as described above.
Your new pair of Custom orthotics will support your foot in the "Neutral Position." This position allows for controlled pronation (necessary for shock absorption), but prevents excessive flattening of the arch and rolling of the heel, which can lead to overuse injury.
The body must adjust to this new support. Because foot orthotics change the movement of your foot, you may experience an adjustment period of 1 to 6 weeks. You may feel some discomfort during this time frame such as foot or leg cramping, skin irritation, or joint pain; but this should pass. It is important that the orthotics are NOT worn all day at first. If you have removable insoles in your shoes, and they create a fitting problem remove them to wear your orthotics. Your orthotic must rest on a flat surface to function properly. We recommend the following break-in schedule:
DAY 1: Wear the orthotics for 2 hours (including sitting time), then remove them from shoes. DO NOT use the orthotics for a sports activity until they are fully broken in.
DAY 2: Wear the orthotics for 4 hours (including sitting time).
DAY 3: Wear the orthotics for 6 hours (including sitting time).
DAY 4: Wear the orthotics for 8 hours (including sitting time). You should be able to wear them all day long from now on. If not, continue to gradually increase the hours of wearing until you can wear them all day.
If you develop ankle, knee, or hip pain while breaking in the orthotics, remove them from your shoes immediately. Do not wear orthotics for one or two days, until the pain subsides. You may take aspirin if necessary. Begin wearing the orthotics at a duration equal to one or two hours less than the amount of time you wore them on the day the pain began. Continue with the break-in as described above.
DAY 10-14: Follow-up in the office for evaluation and possible adjustment of the orthotics. This is important in that there is a specific time frame that we can send the orthotics back to the Lab where they are fabricated at no charge to you and the Doctor will take measurements of your orthotics for future reference. Additional follow up exams are 3 months, then every 6 months after that.
Wear some type of sock or stocking during the break-in period to avoid skin irritation.If your orthotics squeak in your shoes, sprinkle a small amount of powder in your shoes prior to inserting your orthotics. We recommend Zeasorb-AF which can be purchased at our clinic. Your orthotics can be wiped with mild soap on a warm washcloth. Do not immerse them in water. do not use hot water as it may cause damage or distortion to your orthotic materials. Use the warm air flow of a blow dryer to "fluff up" padded top covers that may have compressed over time.
Wear some type of sock or stocking during the break-in period to avoid skin irritation.If your orthotics squeak in your shoes, sprinkle a small amount of powder in your shoes prior to inserting your orthotics. We recommend Zeasorb-AF which can be purchased at our clinic. Your orthotics can be wiped with mild soap on a warm washcloth. Do not immerse them in water. do not use hot water as it may cause damage or distortion to your orthotic materials. Use the warm air flow of a blow dryer to "fluff up" padded top covers that may have compressed over time.
Your custom orthotics should last years depending, of course, on how often they are used and activity level. The top covers (especially soft cushion materials) and posts (additions to the bottom of the orthotics) may need to be replaced sooner however, depending again on your activity level. Repairs and recovering of orthotics are not covered by insurance. To help the longevity of your Orthotics please remove them nightly from your shoes to increase air circulation around the orthotic. You may also wear your orthotics in different shoes as long as their is enough depth to accommodate the insert.
Remember, your feet are the foundation for your entire body. They do a tremendous amount of work each day. Even the slightest misalignment of the bones and muscles can cause a lot of discomfort. Consistently wearing your prescription orthotics can be the best investment you can make to your overall well-being. Periodic orthotic checks by Dr. Vail are essential to ensure that this investment is still working properly and supporting your body in the correct manner.
Santa was scheduled an apppointment with Dr. Vail on 12/22/10 just before the Big Night!
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