Foot Orthotics: When to Check, Repair, or Replace
If you wear foot orthotics, be aware that orthotics do occasionally need to be checked for wear in order to ensure that they are functioning properly to provide you with the best possible protection and pain relief.
Below the doctors at the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington provide expert guidance on the importance of regular orthotic checkups and knowing when orthotics might need repair or replacement.
Our focus is always on evidence-based foot and ankle care and avoiding surgery whenever possible. Exceptional orthotic therapy is one of the primary tools that help us avoid surgery. Dr. Hale outlines when orthotics should be assessed, maintained, and replaced to keep feet healthy and active.
Why Orthotic Checkups are Important
Orthotics should be checked every few years to ensure they’re functioning properly. Over time, wear and tear on orthotics can reduce their ability to support the foot fully, impacting overall foot health. Painful feet can limit physical activity, which is essential to overall health and well-being.
Regular foot orthotic checkups help patients maintain the best possible foot health, extending their ability to stay active.
Signs That Orthotics Need Attention
There are several indicators that orthotics might require repair or replacement:
- Worn-Out Cushioning: The cushioning in orthotics can compress or wear out, reducing support and comfort.
- Accommodation Wear: Elements like firmer modifications or soft cushioning areas may wear down over time.
- Shell Deformation: The orthotic shell is the main portion of the orthotic that supports your arch and cups your heel. If the orthotic’s shell becomes flattened or cracked, it may not support the foot as needed.
- Changes in Foot Structure or Weight: Foot structure can change due to factors like aging, weight gain, or pregnancy, requiring adjustments to orthotics for continued support.
How Aging and Body Changes Affect Orthotic Needs
We liken orthotic adjustments to eyeglass prescriptions. It is rare that you see your optometrist and are told that you need a decrease in your orthotic prescription. Usually you need a stronger prescription.
Orthotics are often the same. As the body changes, support needs can shift. Weight gain, pregnancy or simply aging can add strain, potentially flattening the foot’s arch. These changes may necessitate orthotics with a different shape or rigidity to provide optimal pain relief and stability.
When to Schedule an Orthotic Checkup
Orthotics generally require a checkup every 2 to 5 years. Sooner if symptoms develop. We advise you to seek evaluation if you experience:
- Pain or discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, or back
- Orthotics that no longer feel comfortable
- Noticeable changes in activity levels due to foot pain
- Visible changes in the orthotics
When an Orthotic Check is Unnecessary
Patients with no symptoms or limitations in their activity level or whose orthotics still appear in good condition may not need immediate evaluation.
In these cases, additional pairs of orthotics can usually be ordered without seeing your doctor for an appointment. If you are our patient and need additional orthotics you can contact us by sending us a note in the patient portal or by using this Orthotic Reorder Form.
Common Orthotic Repairs
- Orthotic Cover Replacement: The soft cover on top of the orthotic is often the first part to wear out. We recommend refurbishing when covers show excessive wear or holes, especially if the orthotics are otherwise functioning well. Even if you see no holes in the cover, it does lose its ability to provide maximum cushioning over time.
- Accommodations: Firmer materials like cork or soft cushion inserts may need replacement as they wear down over time.
- Shell Integrity: The shell provides core support, so cracks or flattening may reduce effectiveness. If pain develops due to these issues, patients may need an orthotic modification or replacement.
Addressing New or Returning Symptoms
Patients experiencing new or returning symptoms in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, or back should seek an orthotic checkup. Changes in body structure, weight, and even age can alter foot support needs, often requiring a revised treatment plan or an updated orthotic prescription.
Replacement vs. Repair: Deciding the Best Course of Action
Following an orthotic and foot examination, your doctor will discuss your options, including:
- Refurbishing the Orthotic: A cost-effective option if the orthotic shell is intact, typically costing $60 – $130. Few if any insurances will cover the cost of orthotic refurbishment.
- Replacing the Orthotic: In cases where structural integrity is compromised or the orthotic no longer provides adequate support. Many insurances do cover the cost of new orthotics if there is medical necessity (although many do not). If you wish to find out if your insurance covers orthotics you can contact them and ask the questions on this Orthotic Insurance Information Form.
Temporary Alternatives and Prefabricated Orthotics
While waiting for a custom orthotic refurbishment, patients often need to still have support. In that case there are several options, including:
- Temporary Prefabricated Orthotics: Ideal for maintaining support while custom orthotics are under repair. You can use our List of Recommended Prefabricated Orthotics to find the best over-the-counter arch support for your foot type, condition and/or shoes.
- Additional Custom Orthotics: Patients may choose to order a new pair to avoid being without orthotics during refurbishment
Ordering New Orthotics
If new orthotics are needed and it has been less than three years since the initial scan, we can often reorder your new orthotics from the existing image. To order theseAfter three to five years, a new scan may be necessary for an optimal fit.
If you are our patient and need additional orthotics you can contact us by sending us a note in the patient portal or by using this Orthotic Reorder Form.
Will Insurance Cover Your Orthotics?
To check on your insurance coverage for orthotics, follow the instructions on this page.
Contact Information
If you simply need to order additional orthotics you can do so by sending us a note in the patient portal or completing the form as noted above.
If you need to see your doctor, Seattle-area residents can contact us for an appointment. For orthotic modifications outside Seattle, online services like OrthoRestore offer additional support options.
By ensuring regular checkups, addressing signs of wear, and understanding when repairs or replacements are necessary, patients can keep their feet comfortable and healthy for all life’s activities.
