Just like traditional orthopedic orthotics, getting used to a 3D orthotic doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time for the body to adapt to this change and adjust its functioning and alignment. Therefore, it is completely normal for patients to experience pain or discomfort in their feet at first. Here are the initial effects and constraints associated with wearing new 3D-printed orthotics.
The Gradual Use of 3D-Printed Orthotics
Wearing new orthotics disrupts the body, both in terms of posture, gait, and foot sensations. As a result, it is common for patients to feel some pain, soreness, or discomfort in the initial stages. It is important to reassure them and explain that this phenomenon is completely normal and that adjustment takes time.
To minimize these physical reactions, 3D-printed orthotics should be worn gradually (for example, adding one to two hours per day) or based on tolerance, rather than wearing them all the time from the start. It is important to determine a precise adaptation period, at the end of which the podiatrist will conduct an examination to assess how the body is responding and if the treatment is working well.
Besides these regular visits to a professional, the patient must also strictly follow the treatment plan and wear suitable shoes.
3D Orthotic: Pressure on the Foot Arch
Among the various sensations a patient may experience when starting to wear their orthotics, pressure on the arch or the sole of the foot is very common. The body’s posture changes, the foot must adopt a new walking pattern, and therefore, it needs to unlearn its usual mechanics and adapt to the orthotic. As a result, certain areas of the foot, previously underused, will need to be engaged, and pressure points on the arch will be modified. This explains why the pressure can sometimes be uncomfortable.
If it’s too much, the patient can remove the 3D orthotics and put their old orthotics back. The next day, they can wear the new ones again, trying to keep them on for an extra hour compared to the previous day.
Wearing 3D-Printed Orthotics and Soreness
Soreness at the beginning of orthopedic treatment is explained in much the same way as pressure or pain under the foot. It is also related to changes in gait and posture. The only difference is that soreness may not be limited to the plantar area, but also affect muscles in other parts of the body, such as the legs (especially the thighs and calves), the buttocks, and the lower back.
Disappearance of Pain from 3D Orthotics After 2 Weeks
The pain and discomfort felt when a patient first wears their new orthotics are temporary. While the adaptation period varies from person to person, these effects usually disappear after about two weeks.
If pain or discomfort persists after this time, a consultation will be necessary to identify the cause of the problem. It is important to communicate this to the patient so that they contact the podiatrist if the situation occurs, as the pain could be due to something else or because the orthotics are not properly adjusted.
Giving the Body Time to Adapt to 3D Orthotics
The success of the treatment depends on the quality of the orthotics, of course, but also on adhering to the treatment plan established between the podiatrist and the patient. The feet and the entire body need an adaptation period to accept the changes and gradually adjust to the new support. It is crucial to explain to the patient that these effects, although unpleasant, are normal and should disappear after a few weeks.
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