Original Publish Date: November 2, 2023 | Updated on June 26, 2025
Custom Foot Orthotics can relieve foot pain caused by neuropathy, but it can take time for your feet to adjust. Here are some tips for properly breaking in custom orthotics for neuropathy.
Ease Into Your Orthotics
Don’t begin by wearing your orthotics full-time, no matter how comfortable they are when you get them. Start by wearing your new orthotics for an hour, then increase by 60 minutes each day.
Breaking in custom orthotics typically takes 2-4 weeks, but no two patients will have the same experience; everybody works at a different pace.
The type of orthotics you have may also affect how soon your feet adjust to them, as rigid orthotics take longer to break in than soft ones. Once you can wear the orthotics comfortably for five hours, you should be able to wear them full-time.
Avoid Strenuous Activity
It is best to avoid any rigorous activity, such as working out, until you can comfortably wear the orthotics for a full day. If you wear them too soon, symptoms such as muscle soreness and joint discomfort can occur.
Start with light exercises before attempting intense workouts, and if you play a sport, be sure to wear your orthotics for a few practices before jumping into a game.
Keep an Eye on Your Symptoms
Keep track of any discomfort you feel while wearing your custom orthotics for neuropathy. Orthotics can feel strange at first, so some discomfort is normal.
However, consult your doctor if you feel severe discomfort or begin to form blisters. Any new pain in your feet, ankles, back, or hips could mean you are overusing your orthotics.
Have the Right Footwear
Choosing the right shoes is essential for patients new to wearing orthotics, especially while getting used to them. We recommend wearing your orthotics with new or relatively new shoes, as older shoes may have already formed wear patterns and, therefore, not support the inserts properly. It is best to find deep shoes with a wider toe box.
While custom orthotics are designed to fit over the factory insoles in sneakers, you may need to remove them in some types of shoes so that the inserts will fit.
Follow up With Your Doctor
Custom orthotics for neuropathy often need to be adjusted and reassessed. If you have trouble adjusting to your orthotics after four weeks, schedule an appointment with Dr. Linde. Do not attempt to adjust your orthotics yourself.
Custom Foot Orthotics for Neuropathy in Birmingham
The effectiveness of your custom orthotics depends on how your feet respond to them. Our job at the Foot Specialists of Birmingham is to ensure your orthotics are comfortable and properly fitted.
Contact us today to talk to a member of our knowledgeable podiatry team. Whether you need a consultation with Dr. Linde for custom orthotics or have questions about breaking yours in, we’ll be glad to help.
