Refurbishing Your Foot Orthotics
Whether you’re hoping to upgrade your existing foot orthotics or you’re just interested in learning how to refurbish them, there are many different techniques you can use to get the job done. The refurbishment comes in stages: preparing the foot orthotics, measuring the existing material, evaluating the product, and finishing the work.
Evaluating the Devices
Whether you want to refurbish your foot orthotics for your own use, it’s important to evaluate the devices. The materials used for the top cover play an important role in both comfort and durability. While the commonly prescribed vinyl top cover can be cleaned with a light amount of elbow grease, softer cushion materials are more susceptible to damage from excessive cleaning.
In addition to the top cover, the rigid shell is designed to last for the lifetime of the orthotics. But, the shell is not protected by an additional warranty. This means that any adjustments made to the shell will not be covered under the warranty.
The top cover material is also guaranteed for a year after refurbishment. This means that, if it begins to wear, or if it begins to become damaged by perspiration, it can be repaired or replaced. But, if the material becomes damaged, it will not be covered under the warranty.
For example, a patient with a plantar fascia groove may have excessive gaps between the foot and plate. These gaps reduce the control of foot function. This may result in a patient with an abnormal gait. To repair this issue, a custom foot orthotic may be made to fill the gaps. However, this may not be appropriate for all patients. Depending on the patient’s needs, an orthotic may be designed to correct the gait or to prevent the foot from developing another deformity.
In order to be comfortable, the top must replicate the plantar surface of the foot in the functional position. This can be done by ensuring that the orthotic mimics the horizon on the side facing the wearer, or by ensuring that the surface of the device is parallel to the patient’s foot.
Measuring and Gluing On New Material
Depending on the condition of your foot orthotics, you may need to replace the material that holds them in place. You may want to use a cushioning material to provide additional comfort, or you may want to use a hard material. You will also need to choose materials that are flexible, durable, and can resist forces.
You may also want to consider using removable foot supports to help manage different foot deformities. These supports are available in various materials, and can be customized to meet your specific needs. You can also choose to have your orthotics custom-made, and they can be crafted from materials that are able to resist motion and forces.
You may also consider having your foot orthotics refurbished periodically. You will need to make sure that you are measuring and applying new material appropriately, as well as adjusting them to fit your foot properly.
Evaluating Finished Orthoses
Whether it’s time to replace your old orthotics, or you’re just looking for a refresher, it’s important to evaluate the finished product. A bad fit can lead to walking correction that isn’t optimal. It’s also important to test flexible materials that can bend and conform to the internal structure of your shoe. This allows you to avoid problems with excess gapping. A custom device made of rigid materials will not function as well when paired with a different pair of shoes.
Having a device that is the right size and shape will also improve the performance of your feet. You’ll also want to make sure that the device is made from materials that are durable enough to hold up under your weight.