NEW Orthotics After Knee Replacement
Do You Need New Orthotics After Knee Replacement Surgery?
Often, patients who receive a total knee replacement will have previously been prescribed custom orthotics.
Custom orthotics may help reduce stress at the knee joint in the months or years before knee surgery by improving the alignment of the foot and ankle. [1]
After a total knee replacement surgery the alignment of the hip, knee, ankle, and foot are often dramatically different and may no longer be helped by old customer orthotics.
It is recommended that patients buy new shoes and have a new evaluation for new orthotics after knee replacement surgery.
Should You Get Custom Orthotics?
Yes, getting a new pair of custom orthotics after a total knee replacement may dramatically improve your recovery.
You may benefit from a new pair of custom orthotics if you have experienced any of the following conditions:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Shin Spints
- Excessive Pronation
- and more.
What Is the Difference Between Custom Orthotics and Off the Shelf Inserts?
The benefit of custom orthotics is they are specifically made for your foot and ankle. Custom orthotics also take into account you body size and type, your past medical history, and how you have responded to orthotics in the past. [2]
Off the shelf orthotics may be a useful option if you are trying to reduce costs or you don’t have an extensive past medical history related to foot or ankle problems.
An off the shelf orthotic might be great to increase cushioning or add some arch support.
Who Should Assess My Orthotics
A physical therapist, orthotist, or podiatrist are the most common healthcare professionals qualified to assess your existing orthotics and your potential benefit from new orthotics.
Some specialized shoe stores offer informal assessments, but if you would like your insurance to cover the cost of assessment and possibly fabrication of a new pair of orthotics it will require you to see a medical professional.
Will New Orthotics Improve My Knee Replacement Recovery
Yes, in most cases a new pair of orthotics may improve your knee replacement recovery.
Improved alignment of the foot and ankle will reduce stress placed upon the knee. Since you are learning how to walk again, developing new movement patterns will start from the ground up.
A new pair of orthotics and a new pair of shoes will help your body optimize hip, knee, and ankle movement while standing, walking, and maybe even dancing.
Watch the VIDEO Below
References:
2. Tran K, Spry C. Custom-Made Foot Orthoses versus Prefabricated foot Orthoses: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2019 Sep 23. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549527/?report=classic
Anthony Maritato, PT
Physical Therapist
Anthony Maritato, PT has been a licensed physical therapist and private practice owner since 2006. Ohio license #PT011602.
Anthony has been passionate about helping patients recover from total knee replacement surgery as well as rotator cuff repair surgery.