New custom orthotics often feel different at first. That does not always mean something is wrong. It usually means your feet and lower legs are adapting to a new support surface. This article is about the follow-up stage after fitting: how to wear them in, how shoes matter, what questions to ask, and when to call your pedorthist. It is patient education, not a diagnosis or a promise of results.
If you are looking for appointments near Hyde Park and West London, you can visit our West London clinic at 1067 Valetta St, Suite 100. For background on the service itself, see pedorthics and custom orthotics.
Why a new orthotic can feel unusual
A custom foot orthosis changes how pressure is shared across the foot. Soft tissues need time to get used to that contact. Pedorthic educators in Canada often describe a gradual break-in rather than all-day wear from day one. The Pedorthic Association of Canada notes that many people increase wear time day by day and that some people feel comfortable sooner than others (How long does it take to get used to orthotics?).
Your own plan should come from the clinician who fitted you. The points below are common talking points to review with them, not a universal timetable.
A simple break-in conversation to have at fitting
Ask your pedorthist to write down a starting schedule that fits your workday and footwear. Many Canadian pedorthic education pages suggest beginning with a short period on day one and adding time if comfort allows (Pedorthic Association of Canada). Useful questions include:
- Which shoes should I start with first?
- How many hours should I aim for on day one, and how should I increase?
- What mild pressure is expected, and what sharp or lasting pain means I should stop?
- When is my first follow-up, and what should I bring?
Keep a short note of wear time and any hot spots. That record helps at follow-up more than trying to remember a busy week.
Shoes: the other half of the fit
An orthotic only works as well as the shoe that holds it. The Pedorthic Association of Canada explains that an orthotic made for running or walking shoes may not sit well in dress shoes, sandals, skates or other shapes, and that a poor fit can tilt or slide inside the shoe (Will my orthotics fit in all of my shoes?).
Practical checks you can do at home:
- The device should lie flat on the shoe bed, not riding up a sidewall.
- Your heel should feel stable, not constantly climbing out.
- If you transfer the same pair between very different shoes, ask whether a second pair or a modification would be wiser.
Bring the shoes you actually wear to work, to the gym, and for errands to your fitting and follow-up visits. That is more useful than a single “perfect” pair you rarely use.
What to track during the first weeks
Focus on patterns, not one awkward afternoon. Ask yourself:
- Does discomfort settle as the day goes on, or does it build every day in the same spot?
- Are symptoms in the foot only, or also in the ankle, knee, hip or low back?
- Did a change in shoes, mileage or standing time line up with a flare?
Canadian pedorthic guidance often distinguishes a one-day sore spot from pain that repeats daily in the same place after you start a new device (Pedorthic Association of Canada). Repeating daily pain is a reason to book an adjustment conversation rather than “pushing through” for weeks.
When to call your pedorthist
Contact your pedorthist sooner rather than later if:
- Pain is sharp, increasing, or present most days after the early break-in window your clinician gave you
- You develop blisters, numbness that worries you, or skin breakdown
- The device rocks, squeaks, or no longer sits flat after a few wears
- You changed jobs, sports, or footwear and the old setup no longer matches your day
Follow-up is part of custom care. Adjustments are common early on because the device is made for your feet, and small changes can improve comfort.
How physiotherapy and other West services may fit
Some people see both a pedorthist and a physiotherapist when foot pain is tied to walking, stairs, work standing or sport. At Pro Function West Health Group, patients can also ask about physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy and acupuncture when those services match their needs. Your clinicians decide what is appropriate after an assessment. No single device or visit replaces that clinical judgment.
Booking a West follow-up
For local appointments, contact our West London clinic. You can book at our West clinic online or call 226-667-6886. Bring your orthotics and the main shoes you use with them.
Short FAQ
How long until orthotics feel normal? There is no single timeline. Many people build wear time over days to a couple of weeks, and some adapt faster. Follow the schedule your pedorthist gave you and call if daily pain continues (Pedorthic Association of Canada).
Can I move one pair of orthotics between every shoe I own? Not always. Similar walking or running shoes may share a pair; dress shoes, sandals and specialty footwear often need a different setup or a second device (Pedorthic Association of Canada).
Do sore feet mean the orthotics failed? Not by itself. Mild change in pressure can be part of adaptation. Sharp, lasting or daily repeated pain is a reason to stop extended wear and ask for a review.
Educational content only. It does not replace an assessment. Outcomes vary.
