Orthopaedic Footwear - Information for Patients Orthotics Department

Warning

NHS Borders

Orthotics Department
Borders General Hospital
Melrose
Roxburghshire
TD6 9BS
Tel: 01896 826982
Email: orthotics@borders.scot.nhs.uk

 

To get the best and quickest results from your new orthotic please read this leaflet carefully.

"Information given on this site is not meant to take the place of a talk with your doctor or health worker."

Orthopaedic Footwear

This leaflet is for patients, carers and families. It details how and when to use your prescribed footwear, how to care for it and how to contact us if you have a problem or require a replacement.

Orthopaedic footwear is prescribed for several reasons:

  • To accommodate an irregular foot shape
  • A foot size difference of at least two sizes
  • To help support and control the ankle foot complex
  • Where the orthosis size would make buying suitably sized footwear very difficult
  • To protect diabetic, osteoarthritic or rheumatoid arthritic feet

Orthopaedic shoes unfortunately may not always be to everyone's normal fashion taste.  We will endeavour to supply you with a pair of shoes/boots that you will be happy with the look of, but they are designed to perform a function and therefore must include certain common features.

Wearing instructions

Wear new footwear for short periods of time for the first few days, regularly checking your feet for any problems, such as red marks on your skin that stay for more than 20 minutes after taking them off. If there are no problems, gradually increase the time you wear them. Ideally after around a week they should be the main footwear you wear indoors and out.

Ensure that the laces / fastenings are fully tied to provide support and prevent friction.

Socks should always be worn with your footwear.

Caring for your footwear

It is your responsibility to make sure that your footwear is properly maintained.

  • The footwear should be cleaned and leather shoes polished regularly.
  • Allow wet shoes to dry naturally, away from direct heat.
  • Do not machine wash your footwear unless advised that the design you have been supplied with is washable.
  • The Orthotics department does not supply new laces, please purchase these as you would for high street footwear.
  • Should your footwear require repair please put them in a bag with a note of your name and address inside and what you are expecting to be done to the shoes e.g. new soles, new Velcro straps etc. Address the bag “Orthotics BGH”, then hand the bag into your local NHS Borders GP practice. Once repaired the shoes will normally be sent back to your GP reception and you will be notified when they are ready for collection.

If you experience any problems with your footwear please contact the Orthotics department. Please do not attempt to alter the footwear yourself.

 

Footwear Allowances

Active adults are usually provided with two pairs of footwear in reasonable condition at any one time, repaired or replaced as they wear out or if your condition changes. Light users or growing children will normally receive only one pair.

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

Skin Care

To reduce the risk of skin problems please:

  • Check your feet daily

Use a mirror or ask someone to help you if necessary. If you are experiencing any discomfort or if your skin is inflamed (hot and red) or broken please contact us or your Podiatrist immediately.

  • Wash and dry your feet daily.
  • Always wear a clean pair of socks each day (cotton preferably). The thin layer will help absorb any perspiration and reduce the risk of rubbing.

Open Review Process

Usually once the Orthotist is happy with the fit and function of your footwear 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 3 years from last contact. If it has been more than 3 years, then your GP or another healthcare professional can refer you back to the service.

Other Information & Feedback

This leaflet is produced for patients who have been provided with prescription footwear from NHS Borders Orthotics service.

We hope you will find this information useful. If you require any further information, or you are unable to attend an appointment, please telephone the Orthotics Department on 01896 826982

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback. If you need advice or are concerned about any aspect of care or treatment please speak to a member of staff.

 

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 29/10/2024

Next review date: 31/10/2027

Author(s): MacKay M.

Version: V1

Approved By: Clinical Governance & Quality

Reviewer name(s): MacKay M.