Orthotics Services Liverpool

Orthotics are custom made prescription insoles, braces and splints help people recover from and avoid injury, or live with lifelong conditions.

Correct supply and fitting of orthoses can improve quality of life by reducing pain, keep you mobile and prevent more invasive or expensive interventions like surgery.

What are orthotics

Simple Inserts that you can buy in stores without a prescription can provide cushioning and support. The are be made of materials like gel, plastic, or foam.But they are not custom-made for your feet. They can provide arch support, extra cushioning. Inserts might make your shoes more comfortable but aren't designed to correct foot problems and only last a few months.

Custom Orthotics are different. They are prescription medical devices you wear inside your shoes to correct biomechanical foot and postural issues such as problems with how you walk, stand, or run. They also help with foot pain caused by medical conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and arthritis. Orthotics might even help you avoid surgery and become pain free.

Still, you might not need the prescription medical devices. Sometimes, an over-the-counter shoe insert will work just fine. You'll want to ask a podiatrist, a doctor specialising in foot care, for their recommendation.

What Your Podiatrist Will Check

Your podiatrist will do a full biomechanical examination.

If you need orthotics, our podiatrists will take a precise plaster mold of your feet. This is important to get the right fit. Once the mold is ready, a professional will turn it into custom rigid or soft orthotics.

Types of Orthotics

Rigid orthotics, or "functional orthotics," are made from materials like plastic or carbon fiber. They're best for walking shoes or dress shoes with closed toes and low heels. This kind of orthotic is designed to ease foot aches and strains as well as pain in the legs, thighs, and lower back that you might feel if your foot doesn't work like it should.

Soft orthotics, or "accommodative orthotics," are made from soft compression materials EVA. They provide cushioning to take the pressure off uncomfortable or sore spots from conditions such as plantar fasciitis or diabetic foot ulcers. Because of their bulk, you might need to wear soft orthotics with prescription footwear.

The orthotics are generally comfortable to wear though may need a short adjustment period. It is best to wear shoes that are fairly comfortable and not too tight in case the Podiatrist needs to fit insoles inside them. If in doubt, bring more than one pair of shoes.

You can also get special orthotics designed for sporting equipment such as ski boots and ice skates.