How long will my orthotics last and what maintenance is required?
Lifespan of your orthotics is dependent upon a number of factors such as weight, duration of use, activity of use, environment, upkeep and the type of device.
Custom and semi-custom orthotics are made of durable materials and you should expect them to last 4-7 years. To prolong their lifespan, it is important to keep them dry as the top cover is prone to deteriorating if they remain wet for too long. Often a new top cover is required after approximately 2 years of use.
It is good to review your custom or semi-custom orthotics every 12 months to determine if you still need them, develop an orthotic reduction strategy if you don’t or re-furbish them if you do.
A pre-fabricated orthotic typically doesn’t last as long, with most providing benefit for 6-18 months. They are generally an EVA foam device which depreciates much like a runner and sometimes require additional modifications and supports applied to them.
These are often a great option for acute injury recovery when you may only need the orthotic for a short period, and would be reviewed every 6-12 months, or in line with your Recommended Action Plan.