Two Important Questions About Orthopedic Shoes Answered

Your feet are surprisingly complex parts of your body, and this complexity can lead to a variety of problems occurring with the shape or function of the feet. When these issues arise, you may find it difficult to walk, stand or engage in other activities that require you to be on your feet. Luckily, there are orthopedic shoes that can help correct these issues so that you can minimize the disruptions your feet issues cause. However, many patients misunderstand orthopedic shoes, and this can cause them to need a couple of basic questions addressed. 

Can You Just Use Inserts?

There is a common belief that shoe inserts can simply be added to any shoes to correct orthopedic problems. Unfortunately, this is not always the case because these inserts are generally only designed to provide limited support for minor problems. When a patient suffers from severe foot or ankle problems, these inserts will likely be inadequate to fully correct the painful symptoms. 

In those instances, patients will require shoes that have been specially designed to correct their problems. For example, if you have a weak arch, shoes can be made with a metal bar installed to provide the support your arch needs. Also, there are some patients that have spacing problems with their toes, and custom made orthopedic shoes may be the only option for patients that are suffering from this condition. 

How Do You Break In New Orthopedic Shoes?

When you first get your orthopedic shoes, it is important for you to gradually break them in for normal use. The materials used to make these shoes can be extremely rigid when you first get them, which can cause the shoes to be more likely to rip or stretch. Also, this rigidness can cause the shoes to be extremely uncomfortable at first. 

To eliminate these issues, you should spend the first few days wearing your shoes for a limited amount of time. Typically, a couple of hours a day will be sufficient to gradually get the shoes ready for normal use. In addition to reducing the risk of accidentally damaging these shoes, this step will also give you a chance to gradually acclimate to your new shoes, which can help reduce the chance of you trip or falling while you are wearing them. 

If you suffer from any number of problems with your feet, orthopedic shoes may be the perfect solution for restoring your comfort and ease of movement. Yet, if you have never had these shoes before, it is important for you to understand these two questions and answers to make sure that you get the most from the therapeutic shoes. For more information, check out comfort shoes at Foster's Wide Shoes or another shoe store.

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