Orthotics are similar to insoles, in that you put them into your shoes. However orthotics are used to alter the foot function when you walk. They are prescribed according to your needs and therefore the shape and size differs for different people - so never wear someone else’s orthotics!
You can think of orthotics like glasses – if someone has bad eyesight, the optician will check the eyes and prescribe a lens to correct this problem; that person then has to find a frame to fit – the better suited the frame is to the lens, the better the glasses work.
Similarly, you will be advised on the type of footwear you should wear for your particular orthotics and the better the shoes the better the orthotics work. It is possible to have several pairs of orthotics to fit different types of shoes, or just the one pair that fits into shoes that you wear most often (or shoes that give you a certain pain or discomfort). They are not painful or uncomfortable to wear, but it is important that you have the right ones for you as small variations in the orthotic can significantly change your lower limb and foot function.
Advice will be given on a range of orthotics and insoles that you can be prescribed. Most often custom made orthotics will be prescribed. Custom orthotics are made specifically for your needs and can be prescribed by using specific measurements made from a cast of your feet. The casts are then sent to a lab to be made up into orthotics and may take about 2 weeks until they are ready for collection. When your orthotics are ready to be picked up, you will need to come in and have them checked and fitted into you shoes.
Whichever type of insoles or orthotics are prescribed, your progress with them will be carefully noted. It is important that, in order to continually update and improve this particular type of treatment, and ensure that you are completely satisfied with your orthotics; you will be contacted periodically for feedback.
If required, orthotics may need to be altered or modified in order to achieve this.
