The Duration of Orthotic Therapy
According to the Podiatric Model, Foot Orthoses are corrective devices that should be worn for life. However, no valid studies have been done to clarify or validate this or to determine the long-term effects of wearing them.
If the basic premises of the FormthoticsTM Medical System Model are true then the adverse effects of modern civilization will continue to impair foot and leg function if the Formthotics orthoses are not worn. Patients can justifiably be told to wear the devices for life to maintain healthy foot and leg function and “protect” themselves from the effects of our modern environment.
In reality, the patient will decide whether to continue using the orthoses after their problem has resolved or to stop wearing them altogether. If the devices are comfortable and work well with the shoes people will prefer to keep using them.
Formthotics orthoses wear out, are lost or otherwise need replacement. A top cover of leather or other suitable material will prolong their useful life. Over time, the Orthoses may have to be replaced but, by then, Lower Extremity function may well have changed to necessitate re-assessment and new Formthotics.
If and when a patient does need hard and durable devices for biomechanical control, Formthotics should be used as an interim measure and to provide a useful template for the design of the hard custom devices.
