The plantar orthosis is an orthopedic device prescribed in large numbers in the medical community worldwide. For example, 37% of podiatrists prescribe foot orthotics to one in four people in Australia. Despite a prescription that has been made for a given problem, should we continue to wear them in the absence of pain?
Why?
An orthosis, by definition, is an orthopedic device used to assist a limb in performing its functions. The plantar orthosis is used to assist the foot and ankle in performing their functions. Therefore, we must ask ourselves for what reason(s) the plantar orthosis was prescribed to us at the start.
For example, if it has been prescribed to reduce pain related to osteoarthritis of the foot, ankle, or knee, it is clear that plantar orthoses should not be removed, even in the absence of pain. Indeed, osteoarthritis is a degenerative process; we cannot miraculously cure it unless we have an operation. It is, therefore, contraindicated to remove the foot orthosis without medical advice.
Precautions to take before stopping to wear foot orthotics
However, if they have been prescribed for acute heel pain such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, foot orthotics may be removed gradually. A program with specific recommendations must, however, be followed. This will prevent the recurrence of injuries. Above all, the initial pain for which the prescribed plantar orthosis must completely disappear. Healing must be complete and final.
There is, however, an exception to this. Indeed, suffering from chronic problems, that is to say, which often recur, such as chronic plantar fasciitis or chronic Achilles tendinitis, can be a contraindication. Chronic problems can be a contraindication to the removal of foot orthotics if they have helped you in the past to get rid of an injury, especially in the case where this injury has returned after stopping the wearing of foot orthotics. It would be inadvisable to remove them even after the initial symptoms have disappeared in this specific case. It is a question of looking at the appearance or not of the pain following the withdrawal. Plantar orthotics should not be prescribed to realign the lower limb to prevent injury from occurring.
In Summary
It is therefore not necessary to wear plantar orthoses all our life. The decision will depend on why they were prescribed to us. There is also no reason to want to remove the foot orthotics. Again, the decision will come down to our comfort and motivations. The important point to remember, if we want to stop wearing foot orthotics, is first to seek the advice of a health professional in the field. Ideally, we seek the advice of the health professional who prescribed them. Otherwise, our chances of ending up with pain again can increase dramatically.
If you’re wondering how, you can remove your orthotics or don’t remember why they were prescribed for you, don’t hesitate to consult your podiatrist or prosthetics services near you New Mexico for example. He will be able to find a personalized solution for you.
