Orthotics.
Support that's made for your feet.
Orthotics are devices worn in your shoes to support how your feet function, redistributing pressure, improving alignment and relieving pain. Prescribed properly, after a full assessment of how you move.
What are orthotics?
Orthotics are specially designed devices worn inside your shoes. They work by changing how the forces of standing and walking are spread across your feet, taking pressure off painful or vulnerable areas, supporting the arches, and helping your feet and lower limbs work in better alignment.
They're used to relieve pain, correct mechanical problems, protect sensitive areas, and stop problems coming back. But they only work when they're prescribed for your specific feet and your specific problem, which is why we never simply hand them out without assessing you first.
The right device for you
There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to orthotics. After assessing you, we'll recommend the approach that genuinely suits your needs, which may be simpler than you expect.
A quality ready-made device, adjusted and customised to suit your feet and your problem. Effective for many common issues and quicker to provide.
Made to a precise model of your feet, for more complex needs or where a modified device isn't enough. Tailored entirely to you.
Sometimes the simplest fix is the right shoe. We'll always advise on footwear alongside any device, or instead of one, if that's all you need.
A prescription, not a product
You can buy insoles anywhere. What you can't buy off a shelf is a device matched to your diagnosis. Before recommending anything, we carry out a biomechanical assessment, examining how your feet are built, how they move, and how that's driving your symptoms, so the device we prescribe addresses the actual cause rather than cushioning the effect.
How it happens
We analyse your gait and movement, examine your feet and lower limbs, and diagnose what's driving your symptoms.
We determine the right type of device for your needs. For custom orthotics, we take a precise model of your feet to work from.
We fit your orthotics, check they're comfortable and working as intended, and give you clear advice on wearing them in.
A follow-up to see how you're getting on, with any fine-tuning needed to get the result just right.
Who benefits from orthotics?
Orthotics can help people with foot or heel pain, recurring callus or pressure problems, alignment issues affecting the feet, knees or hips, and those looking to protect vulnerable feet, including people with diabetes. They're also used to support certain sports and activity goals.
We won't sell you something you don't need. Many people do perfectly well with a modified device or even just a change of footwear. We'll recommend what will actually help, not the most expensive option.
Frequently asked questions
Not always. Many people do very well with a modified prefabricated device, which is quicker and more affordable. We'll only recommend custom orthotics if your assessment shows you genuinely need them.
We take your footwear into account as part of the prescription, and advise on the types of shoes that work best with your device. For most everyday footwear, this isn't a problem.
Custom devices typically last several years with proper care. We'll advise you on looking after them and when they might need replacing.
There's usually a short wearing-in period as your feet adjust. We'll guide you through it, gradually building up wear so they feel natural.
It varies by person and problem, but many people notice a benefit within a few weeks of wearing their orthotics in properly.
You can, and for mild comfort issues they sometimes help. What they can't do is correct a mechanical problem they weren't designed for. A prescribed device is matched to your diagnosis, your feet and your footwear, which is the difference between cushioning a symptom and fixing the cause.