Nylon Stocking-Foot Position-Leather Shoe-Orthotics

Keep Your Shoes and Feet Smelling Fresh When Wearing Foot Orthotics

I saw a patient today who wears orthotics in her shoes to help correct her foot position. Improper foot position may lead to foot, ankle, knee, and hip pain.This patient's particular problem was that her feet turn inward and her arch is slightly fallen. Correction of this fallen arch position is obtained with the custom made inserts in her shoe.One problem: the material from which the orthotics are made combined with a leather shoe, a nylon stocking and sweaty feet creates a pretty yucky smell by the end of the day. Since her shoe is already occupied by an orthotic insert, placing an off the shelf odor reducing sole in her shoe is not an option. Here is how my patient effectively manages that odor: she puts fabric softener dryer sheets in her shoes right on top of the orthotics.My patient says that the dryer sheet keeps her shoes, orthotics, and feet smelling fresh, and she avoids the harsh odor that comes with the lethal combination of leather, nylon, and sweat. As the physical therapist that provides treatment to her, I am thankful.If you wear orthotics and have noticed a fetid stench wafting from your shoes, try the dryer sheet trick. Just be sure that the sheets don't fold up and compromise the effectiveness of the orthotics. Let me know if you (or your co-workers, family members, physical therapists) find this trick effective. read more..

source:http://physicaltherapy.about.com/