CUSTOM ORTHOTICS · PATIENT EDUCATION · LOGANSPORT, IN
Orthotics Break-In Schedule: What’s Normal, What’s Not (and When to Call Us)
A simple plan to adapt comfortably—without flaring your feet, knees, hips, or back.
New orthotics change how force moves through your feet—and that can affect your calves, knees, hips, and low back. The goal is a smooth adaptation, not a “push through it” approach. If you’re getting orthotics for recurring foot pain, start with Custom Orthotics and our Foot & Ankle Pain page for the big-picture plan.
- Most people adapt over 1–3 weeks when wear time increases gradually
- Feet may feel “worked”—but pain should not escalate day-to-day
- Clear “when to worry” and “when to call us” guidance below
Educational only. Not medical advice.
Start Here: What “Normal” Feels Like
Use this quick checklist to self-sort before you change anything.
Normal early sensations (usually OK)
- Mild arch “awareness” or pressure that feels different (not sharp)
- Calf or foot muscle fatigue (like you used muscles differently)
- Mild soreness that resolves within 24 hours
- A “taller” or more supported feel in standing/walking
Not normal (pause + adjust plan, or call us)
- Sharp pain in the arch/heel/ankle
- Numbness/tingling or burning sensations
- Blistering or a “hot spot” that gets worse each wear
- Knee/hip/low-back pain that escalates day-to-day
- Pain that lasts longer than 24–48 hours after wear
Fast rule
If symptoms improve when you reduce wear time, that’s a strong sign you simply progressed too fast. If symptoms persist even with reduced wear—or are sharp/neurological—get checked.
Orthotics Break-In Schedule (Simple and Safe)
This schedule fits most people. If you’re on your feet all day, use the slower version.
Option A: Standard break-in (most people)
- Days 1–2: 1–2 hours/day
- Days 3–4: 2–4 hours/day
- Days 5–7: 4–6 hours/day
- Week 2: add 1–2 hours/day as tolerated
- Week 3: full-day wear as tolerated (if goals require it)
If you’re breaking in orthotics because of heel pain, see Plantar Fasciitis: Morning Heel Pain Fixes.
Option B: Slow break-in (high sensitivity, chronic pain, or long hours on feet)
- Days 1–3: 30–90 minutes/day
- Days 4–7: 1–3 hours/day
- Week 2: 3–5 hours/day
- Week 3: 5–7 hours/day
- Week 4: full-day wear as tolerated
If you had an old ankle sprain that never fully normalized, it can affect how orthotics feel. Review Ankle Sprain Recovery Timeline.
What to do if you flare
- Drop back to the last “good” wear time for 2–3 days
- Then increase by 30–60 minutes/day (not hours)
- Make sure shoes fit correctly (orthotics take up space)
- If you keep flaring by day 7–10, it’s time to contact us
Footwear matters (more than people think)
- If shoes are tight, orthotics can create pressure points
- Choose a stable shoe with removable insole
- Wear the orthotics in the same “main” shoes during break-in
If top-of-foot pressure shows up, see: Top of Foot Pain: 6 Common Causes.
When to Call Us (and When to Worry)
These patterns deserve a check rather than “pushing through.”
- Sharp arch/heel pain that doesn’t calm when you reduce wear time
- Numbness/tingling, burning, or nerve-like symptoms
- Blistering or a hotspot that worsens each wear
- New knee/hip/low-back pain that is worsening day-to-day
- Pain that lasts longer than 24–48 hours after wear
- You cannot progress wear time by day 7–10 despite going slower
If you have major swelling, inability to bear weight, or severe/worsening symptoms, seek urgent evaluation.
Orthotics Break-In FAQs
Quick answers—including what’s normal and when to call us.
How long does it take to break in orthotics?
What’s normal to feel when starting orthotics?
What is NOT normal when breaking in orthotics?
Should I wear orthotics all day right away?
When should I call you to adjust my orthotics?
Can orthotics cause knee, hip, or low back soreness at first?
Related Reading
More orthotics + foot mechanics guides (ROOT blog URLs).
Related Services
Common next steps if foot pain keeps recurring.
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