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Foot, knee or back orthotics may be required to support a segment of the body which suffers from a mechanical dysfunction. The brace is called an Orthosis.
Orthotics can help to:
Call or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss private orthotic treatment with a consultant of your choice at Circle Health Group.
This page explains what orthotics are, who may need them, and what kind of orthotic devices are available.
Orthotics may be recommended for you if you:
This can be caused by poor positioning of the feet while standing or walking.
Diabetes may cause loss of sensation in the feet leading to ulcers.
Both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis can cause poor positioning of the feet and foot pain.
Bunions are bony lumps that develop on the base of the big toe joint causing pain and deformity in your foot.
Also known as flat feet, pes planus is a condition where the arch of the foot flattens when standing, causing foot, ankle and back pain.
Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs ( bursae) in the heels and toes.
Conditions including multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and Downs syndrome can all cause walking difficulties that can be helped with orthotics.
This is a deformity of the second, third, or fourth toe caused by problems with your tendons, muscles, and joints.
This condition causes pain around the bottom of your foot, heel, and arch.
Heel spurs are growths of excess bone that develop on the heels and can cause heel pain.
If you have high arches in your feet, it can put stress on your foot muscles and lead to other problems like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and knee problems.
This is the name given to a difficulty lifting the front part of the foot that may occur as a result of multiple sclerosis or stroke.
If your foot or ankle is injured, it may need extra support from orthotics during the healing process.
If you're experiencing any of the above problems, you may benefit from treatment with orthotics. Book an appointment with one of our experienced specialists who will be able to recommend the best course of treatment.
If you would like a guide price based on your personal circumstances, give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help to get you an estimate.
If you are paying for your own orthotics, you can take advantage of our flexible payment options, which allow you to spread the cost over a period of up to five years.
If you have private health insurance, orthotics may be covered by your policy. Speak to your provider directly to find out.
They may ask you about:
Your consultant will examine your spine, legs, and feet, and run some tests such as:
Sometimes your consultant will order further tests like X-ray, MRI, or bone scans to check for underlying causes such as arthritis or injury.
The first consultation is important because it allows us to examine you, perform any necessary tests and recommend a suitable treatment. It is also where we get to know you and what you are hoping to get out of treatment. We create a bespoke treatment plan for every patient, so it’s very important for us to have this one-on-one time with you.
If orthotics are a good choice for you, your consultant will talk you through the process and put your mind at rest by answering any questions you may have.
We decide on the best course of treatment for you based on your symptoms, the results of your tests, and your lifestyle and preferences. Your consultant will explain the process and discuss treatment options with you, allowing you to make an informed decision about how best to move forward.
Rigid or functional orthotics are made from hard materials such as plastic or carbon fibre. They are used to provide stability and prevent movements that lead to pain in the feet, legs, and lower back.
Soft or accommodative orthotics are made from soft materials and are used to provide cushioning and relieve pressure from areas of the feet that are painful.
Semi-rigid orthotics provide both cushioning and stability and are used for conditions such as flat feet.
These are a type of brace that covers the ankle or foot. They are used to provide stabilisation and support and can be rigid or semi-flexible. AFOs are commonly used to treat people with foot drop, or foot and ankle problems caused by multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, or spinal cord injury.
These are made by taking a cast of your foot, which is then used to create an insole. They are inserted into your shoes to relieve pain and pressure and correct walking problems.
These are worn at night to stretch and prevent shortening of your calf muscles and to reduce muscle stiffness.
Your consultant will tell you how long to wear your orthotic device for. Normally, you'll start wearing it for around an hour a day, gradually increasing the time by 30 minutes a day until you are wearing your device all day.
You may experience some discomfort for the first few weeks as you get used to wearing your orthotic. If you experience pain, remove the orthotic and wait two to four hours before trying again. If you still experience pain, stop wearing your device and contact your consultant.
Orthotics are a non-invasive method of treatment that carries a very low risk of complications. Complications are much less common in custom-made orthotics than in over-the-counter devices.
Some complications of orthotics may include:
Before you get your orthotic, your specialist will explain how to use it and care for it correctly. Use this time to ask any questions you may have. We want you to feel safe and comfortable using your orthotic device.
Yes. Studies have shown a significant improvement in lower back pain after six weeks of treatment with shoe orthotics.
No. Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) involve inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the shin bone (tibia). They commonly occur after exercise such as running. If you have flat feet or recurrent problems with shin splints, orthotics can help by stabilising the foot and ankle and reducing pressure on the lower leg.
Wearing your orthotics for too long during the first few weeks can cause pain in the feet, ankles, knees, and hips. If you experience pain when you first start using orthotics, contact your consultant for advice. Orthotics can also cause pain if not fitted correctly.
Orthotics can't correct a bunion, but they can reduce pain in your big toe joint and might stop your bunion from getting worse.
Usually, orthotics are a long-term treatment, but in some cases, you may be able to stop wearing them once your issue is resolved. Talk to your specialist about how long you will need to use your orthotics.
Yes. Remove the original insoles that came with your shoes and replace them with your orthotics. Leaving the original insoles in will mean your orthotic insoles won't be in the right place and won't work properly.
How long your orthotics last depends on many factors including the material they are made from, how often you wear them, your lifestyle, and body weight. On average orthotics last around two to three years. Have your orthotics checked once a year by a consultant orthotist or podiatrist to make sure they are still working properly.
Orthotics work best in trainers or boots and shoes with a wide, supportive base. Most slip-on shoes or shoes with a heel over three centimetres are generally unsuitable for orthotics.
No. Orthotics work by changing the alignment of your feet, providing stabilisation and support, and relieving pressure. They do not change the shape of your feet.
Yes. In addition to correcting problems with the feet, orthotics can improve athletic performance by absorbing shock, improving gait, and reducing the risk of injury.
If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about orthotics, book your appointment today or call a member of our team directly on 0141 300 5009.
Orthotics OrthoInfo
Using orthotics to improve walking difficulties Multiple Sclerosis Trust
Patient information about ankle foot orthoses (AFO’s) NHS Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Commonly Used Types and Recent Development of Ankle-Foot Orthosis: A Narrative Review PubMed
Shoe Orthotics for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial PubMed