How to fix your own orthotics?

Question

I have had my custom orthotics for 6 months, however mine are made of hard plastic and a foam cushion. The foam cushion has worn out and ripped off the hard plastic. Instead of going back to the podiatrist and paying a $40 co-pay for him to tell me something ridiculous(he refuses to tell me what to do over the phone) can someone tell me if its ok to just scrape the foam off and replace it with DR SCHOLLS or any similar type replacement method.

Answer 1

There is no problem with removing the covers of your foot orthotics off (unless they have in-built posting/ramping which your podiatrist has prescribed for your condition).  

If they are just flat covers, then there should be no problem (unless issues with friction, comfort etc).

The key to custom orthotics is the shell themselves (the plastic) as long as this remains unchanged then you can put a bright pink covering with purple flowers on top and it shouldnt matter.  The shell is where you get the control of your feet from, so the top coverings don't usually matter.

Regards,

Lloyd

Answer 2

You can try it, but orthodics are made specially for your feet. Try Dr. Scholl's.

I have orthodics, after trying everything known to mankind. It is probably worth the 40 bucks to get it done correctly.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Sure you can. You want to make sure that what you replace the foam with will still have the shape of the hard plastic. I would give it a try. If you feet start to hurt then you may have to go and get new orthotics but I would certainly give it a try.

I have orthotics in all my sneakers and shoes and have done exactly what you are thinking about doing and they have save me a ton of money and my feet do not hurt.