Foot orthoses (insoles)

Functional foot orthotics are insoles designed to either alter your foot biomechanics to reduce pain and improve function or, offload specific areas of your foot to reduce pressure.

To achieve this, your Orthotist will either fit a stock device on the day, or, if required order a custom made one from an outline or impression of your foot.

Wearing instructions

It is recommended that you build up the time they are worn by an hour each day and do not wear them for sport until they are comfortable to walk in all day.

There will be a period of adaptation with the insoles as the bones, ligaments and muscles adapt to the changes in motion or pressure that the orthotics provide to your feet. They may therefore take a number of weeks to adapt to. Do not expect them to resolve pain immediately especially if it is a condition which has taken months or years to develop. It may take a number of months to notice improvement.

Footwear Advice

Insoles do not generally fit well into slip-on shoes, summer sandals or mules. You may need to change your footwear to get the best results.

Look for footwear with:

• a fastening that can be adjusted such as laces or Velcro wider and deeper fitting
• supportive heel counter
• a base insole that can be removed to free up space for the insoles
• a lower opening where the tongue can be opened right down to ease donning
• running trainers are often ideal

After building up wear transfer the insoles into all your footwear (including slippers) to gain the greatest benefit.

If you are shopping for shoes take your insoles with you.

If you have difficulty finding suitable footwear please speak to your Orthotist.

• redness that does not fade after 10minutes
• sores of blisters
• pain, irritation or rubbing
• any damage to the insole

NHS Borders allowance is typically one pair of insoles repaired or replaced as they wear out and these can be moved from shoe to shoe. For most people insoles typically last 1-2 years before requiring repair or replacement.

If the insole is custom made with a hard plastic shell then the top cover should be the only part which is necessary to have replaced, please send your insoles in to Orthotics at the BGH to have them refurbished as required.

If the insoles were supplied from stock or custom made foam, please call for a replacement.

Should you wish to purchase additional pairs privately your Orthotist can supply you with the manufacturers details so you can enquire directly.

Insoles are for single patient use only.

Please do not attempt to alter them yourself.

• wipe clean with a damp cloth
• dry with a towel, away from direct sources of heat such as a radiator
• check your insole regularly for wear and damage

Please do not soak or machine wash your insoles unless advised otherwise

Usually once the Orthotist is happy with the fit and function of your insoles they will leave you with an open review. This means the service will not call you back for an appointment routinely but you can call for an appointment as required for up to 5 years from last contact. If it has been more than 5 years then your GP or another healthcare professional can refer you back to the service.