If you didn’t realize it already, your foot orthotics and inserts will definitely start to smell with daily use, especially if you don’t make an effort to keep them clean and smelling fresh. So you may be wondering, “What exactly can I do to keep them clean and odor free?”  Here are a few quick and easy ways to accomplish this:

FREEZE The Stink Out Of Them

1. Put your foot orthotics in a large Ziploc bag and place them in the freezer overnight.
2. Why does this work?  The smell of foot orthotics is actually caused by bacteria.  Extremely cold temperatures have been shown to kill bacteria.  Dead bacteria = Better smelling foot orthotics.

• Practice regular and thorough hygiene habits —(Clean and inspect feet daily.  Wash socks frequently and always wear clean socks, preferably moisture wicking.)

• Don’t smoke —(According to the Center For Disease Control CDC, “Smokers are 30–40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than nonsmokers. And people with diabetes who smoke are more likely than nonsmokers to have trouble with insulin dosing and with controlling their disease.  The more cigarettes you smoke, the higher your risk for type 2 diabetes.  No matter what type of diabetes you have, smoking makes your diabetes harder to control.” 3 )

• Wear custom diabetic insoles —(Wear diabetic insoles custom designed for your foot.  Custom diabetic insoles will accommodate any plantar abnormalities, provide arch support and offload the foot as needed.)

• Perform daily skin and foot inspection —(If you have numbness of the feet, small cuts and wounds can become a serious medical problem, sometimes resulting in amputation.  Be proactive and regularly looking for blisters, sores, cracks, cuts, calluses and abnormalities.  For those with limited mobility, use a mirror or friend/family member to inspect all areas of your feet.  Report any changes to your physician or orthotist/pedorthist immediately.)

• Wash your feet DAILY —(Wash with mild soap and lukewarm water.  Check water temperature before placing your feet in, to make sure the water isn’t hot enough to scald your skin.  Dry thoroughly before putting socks and shoes on.)

• Keep toenails trimmed —(It is best to trim toenails right after your shower or bath.  Be cautious while trimming your nails, as you can create ingrown nails by the way you cut them and there is also a risk of clipping the skin with the nail clippers.  It may be a good idea to schedule a regular appointment with a podiatrist to get your nails trimmed, especially if reaching your feet is difficult, if you have little feeling in your feet or if you have trouble seeing.)

• Choose and wear appropriate shoes —(Avoid wearing open-toed shoes, as this increases your risk of receiving foot injuries.  Avoid walking around barefoot, especially outside.  Regularly examine your shoes for signs of wear and replace them when necessary.  Avoid selecting shoes based on looks.  Base your shoe selection on their function, comfort and practicality.  Your long-term health and mobility is much more important than fashion.)

1. Control – Motion (Of Angle and/or Knee)
2. Correction – of Deformity
3. Compensate – for Weakness
4. Prevent – Further Deformity 

• Carbon Fiber AFO (Custom Fit AFO Used for Specific Ankle Pathologies) – Easier to fit within shoes. Extremely lightweight. More comfortable, breathable with a minimalist design.
• Polymer (Plastic) AFO (Custom Thermoplastic Brace Fit Inside of Shoes) – Improved control by increasing contact area. Lightweight. Many options for customization and functionality.
• Conventional (Metal) AFO (Custom Metal Frame Attached Directly to Shoe Sole) – Works well for patients with fluctuation swelling. Allows more air circulation. Less heat sensitive. More modular.