Following discussion with your clinician, your care plan may include the use of orthoses (insoles) that are either commercially available or carefully constructed for your individual needs.
The design highly depends on your activity level, weight, footwear, walking pattern and foot problem.
Custom-made insoles are generally bulkier than the over-the-counter versions and have a waiting time, due to being manufactured from raw materials.
If you develop new or additional symptoms, such as aches and pains, blistering or red areas from rubbing, you should discuss this with your clinician at the next appointment. You can continue to use the orthoses if these symptoms are mild.
However, if your new symptoms are debilitating, cease use of the insoles and contact your clinician.
Sometimes orthoses are only needed for a particular activity, such as running. If you have been instructed to do this by the clinician then please ensure you also slowly break-in your orthoses before full activities are started.
This is usually a first line treatment for resolvable foot conditions where your foot mechanics are relatively normal but require some reduction of stress.
Over-the-counter insoles are usually much quicker to get and less bulky, making them fit a wider range of footwear.
The following examples serve to demonstrate the type and quality of product you may want to copy. We do not endorse any brand.
If you develop new or additional symptoms, such as aches and pains, blistering or red areas from rubbing, you should discuss this with your clinician at the next appointment. You can continue to use the orthoses if these symptoms are mild.
However, if your new symptoms are debilitating, cease use of the insoles and contact your clinician.
Generally shoes should have the following features to suit Orthoses:
It can take up to two weeks to acclimatize to insoles. Some aching in legs and feet, on initial use, can be normal and should gradually subside. If worn all day, straight-off, you may also develop aches or pains which would otherwise not occur if used gradually.
As a guide, start with approximately one hour on the first day. If you have no debilitating aches or pains after this time then add an extra hour the next day. Continue adding an extra hour each day until you reach all day use, about 10-14 days-time.
After this wear the orthoses all day, every day by moving them to shoes as needed. If you stop use for a prolonged period your symptoms may return. If you stop using but then need them again you will need to gradually break them in again.
Do not continue to use your insoles if your symptoms worsen.
Please bring your orthoses to all Podiatry and Orthotic Services appointments.
If you have a problem which does not improve as you would expect with self-care, you should contact a healthcare professional for advice. This may be your GP, Pharmacist, NHS Podiatry Service or a Private Podiatrist.
Please make sure your Podiatrist is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and look out for the letters HCPC after their name.
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