Care and Use of the Pedikom Orthotics

The Pedikom orthotics can be fitted into most sports, leisure or dress shoes and can be transferred easily from one pair of shoes to another.

Whether walking or running the orthotics move with your feet to provide support; they maintain the correct alignment of the joints; they exercise the muscles and they strengthen the arches in your feet, while gradually pushing the bones and joints back to the correct alignment.

Fitting
At the time of ordering the Pedikom orthotics, the size of the patients feet are determined and a range of templates are used to check the size and fit of the patient's shoes (ie. Some patient's have broader feet than others).

This process is important as it allows the orthopaedic specialists to design the orthotics precisely to the patient's, providing healthy support and stability.

The Pedikom orthotics fit into most shoes as long as the inner base of the shoe is flat enough and wide enough.

The Pedikom orthotics are designed to provide optimum results when fitted into shoes with 2cm to 5cm heels. They are not recommended for use in high heels (greater than 5cm), pointed-toe shoes, or completely flat shoes. If the patient's work involves extended periods of time on their feet then shoes with lower heels (2 to 3cm) are better. When walking, shoes with higher heels (4 to 5cm) are better.

The Initial Period of Use
During the first few weeks some patients may notice some discomfort or minor pain. This varies from mild discomfort in the feet to sore muscles in the legs, hips or lower back. This initial discomfort is not unusual and is perfectly normal - it is a sign that the orthotics are working! The discomfort is caused by the feet adapting to the new foot supports and to the foot muscles being stretched and exercised. Muscle soreness or discomfort in other areas of the body could be a sign of the balance restoration and realignment process.

Patients are advised to take it steady at the start and to give their feet time to adjust to the new orthotics. For the first few days the orthotics should only be used for approximately 20 minutes per day. As the feet adapt, the length of time that the orthotics should be used can gradually increase - 30 minutes for the next few days, and so on until it is possible to wear them continuously without any discomfort.