What Are The Side Effects Of Wearing Orthotics?

Custom foot orthotics are fantastic medical devices that have the potential to help our patients recover from a range of foot and leg pains, problems and injuries. They also have the potential to cause some undesirable side effects – especially if you’ve been ‘set free’ with a pair of orthotics without them being checked, your progress reviewed, or their suitability for your feet being properly assessed. Here’s what you need to know about the side effects of wearing custom foot orthotics.

The Adjustment Period: Signs & Symptoms It’s Gone Wrong

Like anything new, when you first begin wearing foot orthotics, the sensation can feel unfamiliar, ‘different’, and sometimes uncomfortable. That initial discomfort isn’t uncommon as your feet, and the rest of your body adjust to the new dynamics of foot support – much like how your eyes and head can have an adjustment period with a new pair of prescription glasses. Orthotics work by changing how the weight across your feet is distributed and by changing the points of impact while you walk. This adjustment can temporarily increase foot sensitivity, as the feet are not yet accustomed to these new pressures. 

You can also expect that your new orthotics might alter your natural gait—the way you walk—which (while it can be extremely beneficial) can feel awkward at first. This change is because the orthotics are designed to correct imbalances in your foot structure, which often requires a shift in how you naturally move. Such modifications in your gait can lead to changes not only in how your feet move and perform but also in other parts of your body, such as your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. They’ll need to adapt to your new movement patterns too, so may also feel like they’re being unusually used (or even overused) at first, until your body adjusts to the new normal. This can also lead to muscle soreness, given that your muscles will also be being used in new ways. The soreness can feel similar to what you might experience after starting a new exercise regimen, as your body is essentially learning to walk again in a more anatomically correct way.

The good news is that these adjustments – while unfamiliar – are usually temporary. And they’re all helping bring your feet and body back to a more balanced and aligned state, to ultimately help with everything from recovering and healing from injury, to pain prevention, and even optimal performance on your feet throughout the day. The body is remarkably adaptable, and most people soon grow accustomed to the feel and function of their new orthotics. We always love providing as much information as possible to our patients, and believe that being aware of these potential initial side effects can help you better manage them and set realistic expectations for your foot health or recovery journey.

The Physical Side Effects

Aside from the muscle soreness we’ve mentioned above, another potential side effect of a new pair of orthotics (even if you’ve had orthotics before) is developing blisters and pressure points. When orthotics are first introduced, they exert pressure in areas of your feet that may not be used to it, which can lead to discomfort and the formation of blisters. This is particularly true if there are any issues with the fit of the orthotics (relative to the shoes), if you move your orthotics to a new pair of shoes where the fit hasn’t been checked, or if your feet are exceptionally sensitive. Ensuring that your orthotics are well-fitted and giving your feet time to adapt can help minimise these issues. It’s also helpful to wear socks that provide good cushioning and to use blister pads during the initial weeks.

Arch discomfort may be another complaint among new orthotic users. As many orthotic designs include arch support to realign the foot and distribute pressure more evenly, this can initially feel like too much pressure, especially if your feet have low arches or if you’ve never used arch supports before. This discomfort usually subsides as your feet become accustomed to the support. However, if it persists, it’s important to consult with your podiatrist – even if that means coming back sooner than your scheduled orthotic review appointment. Your podiatrist may need to make slight adjustments to the orthotics (in the clinic) to optimise your comfort level.

These physical side effects are typically temporary and should decrease as you continue to wear your orthotics. However, they are important to monitor and manage – and your podiatrist absolutely wants to know about any of these side effects! If you’re a patient of ours – please let us know as soon as possible so we can be doing everything we can to support your foot health and comfort.

Managing Your Side Effects

While the side effects of adapting to custom foot orthotics can be challenging, there are several strategies you can use to manage and mitigate these issues effectively. Ensuring a proper fit is perhaps the most crucial step. Your podiatrist should provide thorough guidance and precise fitting when you first receive your orthotics, but it’s essential to communicate openly about any discomfort you experience. Adjustments might be necessary as your feet adapt or as you become more aware of how the orthotics feel during different activities. Your clinic should have a specific “wearing in” protocol for orthotics, so if you’re not sure what that is, contact them and go through it all.

Introducing orthotics gradually into your daily routine can also significantly ease the transition. Start by wearing the orthotics for just a few hours each day, slowly increasing the duration as your comfort level improves. This gradual approach helps your body adjust to the changes in alignment and pressure distribution without overwhelming your feet and joints. It’s similar to how you might slowly increase your time spent exercising when starting a new workout program.

Attending any follow-up appointments with your podiatrist are also important during the first few months after receiving your orthotics. These check-ins allow your podiatrist to monitor your progress, make any necessary adjustments to the orthotics, and address any issues of discomfort or pain. They can also assess the wear pattern on your orthotics to ensure they are functioning correctly and providing the intended benefits.

Don’t forget to maintain good foot hygiene, too. Keep your feet clean and dry to prevent skin irritations and infections, especially if you are prone to sweating or blisters. Choosing the right socks—those that wick moisture away from the skin and provide adequate cushioning—can make a significant difference in your comfort levels.

Finally, staying informed about your foot health and the function of orthotics empowers you to make the best decisions for your well-being. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek advice from your podiatrist. Understanding the role of orthotics in managing specific foot conditions can help you adhere to your treatment plan and adjust your expectations about what these devices can achieve – which is honestly a lot, when they’re used right.