Orthopaedic footwear is provided to you or your child if there is a clinical need determined by your Orthotist.
Reasons for providing orthopaedic footwear include:
The footwear is designed to provide support and comfort and is made to suit specific needs.
Once they are broken in, they should be worn as much as possible to make sure support and protection.
It is advisable to avoid wearing high street footwear or avoid going barefoot even indoors.
It is important to take time to get used to the footwear, breaking in gradually. Start with 15-30 minutes the first day, gradually increasing by 30 minutes each day. Feet must be checked regularly whilst breaking in the footwear looking for:
If you are unable to reach down to your feet or have poor vision ask someone to check for you. It is extremely important to do these checks, especially if you are diabetic or have poor sensation.
If you have any concerns the footwear must not be worn and contact be made with the Orthotics department.
Inspect the shoes regularly for any grit, stones, pins or loose objects.
The insoles may be removable so take them out and check underneath them.
Clean the shoes regularly, using polish for leathers or protector spray for nubuck or suede.
Please keep the footwear in good repair.
You can return them to the Orthotics department for repairs free of charge.
We will repair worn soles and fastenings and replace insoles.
Please drop them into the department during opening hours which are:
Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.00pm
You do not need an appointment or referral for simple shoe repairs. You can drop the footwear off at the department between 8.30am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday.
Please make sure the footwear is clean. Dirty footwear may be rejected.
We will contact you when they are ready for collection. This will usually be around 3-4 weeks.
Adults:
Once we are sure your footwear is appropriate for you and is functioning correctly, you may be provided with a second pair.
You will need to break in and wear your first pair for several weeks before the second pair is considered.
Once a pair of shoes is beyond repair, or if your foot size changes, you will need to bring them into the department to be checked. A replacement pair can be ordered, to make sure you always have two serviceable pairs.
Adult entitlement is two serviceable pairs of shoes at any one time.
Children:
Children will be provided with one pair of orthopaedic footwear due to the regular change and growth expected.
Once your child has outgrown the footwear or the Orthotist has deemed the footwear no longer clinically effective, we will re-measure and replace them.
If you have any problems or concerns, please contact the Orthotic department.
Our opening hours are:
Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.00pm
Contact us on 01274 082929
Orthotics Department
Level 6
West Riding House
41 Cheapside
Bradford
BD1 2NB
This leaflet is for parents, carers or guardians whose child has been supplied with an orthosis that controls the position of the foot and/or ankle. An AFO is a close-fitting support that goes into the shoe. This leaflet should be used as a general guide along with the specific advice provided by your orthotist.
Have your child so that they are sitting facing you, open up all the straps and fasten them out of the way.
Pull up their knee-high socks and make sure there are no wrinkles in them.
Bend their knee and turn their foot towards the middle before bringing the foot up.
Place their heel at the back of the AFO, make sure their heel is firmly down before fastening the ankle strap then fasten the ankle strap snugly.
Finally, fasten the top strap.
There may be additional straps, if so, your orthotist will show you how to fasten them.
Lastly, work the shoe on with a twisting motion and be sure you tie them securely.
AFOs should be worn under trousers or over tights.
It is recommended to use long (knee high) socks. Plain cotton socks with no pattern are ideal. Make sure they are smooth and wrinkle free.
Be sure to fasten the straps securely but not overly tight. Loose AFOs rub more frequently than tight AFOs.
Never let a child walk in an AFO that does not have a non-slip base without shoes on as the plastic on the bottom can be very slippery. We can add non-slip bases to the AFOs if required and clinically safe.
Wearing the AFO should not hurt but it may feel a little uncomfortable while they get used to it.
Whether this is the first or a replacement AFO the time that it is worn should be built up gradually. If possible, they should wear the AFO for short periods throughout the day.
Any rubs or red marks should fade away after 30 minutes of removing the AFO.
If they do not fade please contact the Orthotics department for a review appointment and leave the orthosis off if safe to do so.
Due to the intimate fit of the AFO, it is very difficult to keep it absolutely clean.
Children are entitled to one pair of AFOs at any one time, or one AFO if they wear it on just one leg. These will be replaced with growth.
Please bring your child’s AFO(s) to every future appointment, even if they are no longer worn due to pain, damage or no longer fit. This way the Orthotist can check the fit of the AFO(s) and adjust or repair them if necessary.
If your child is experiencing any problems with their AFO(s), please contact the department.
Our opening hours are:
Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.00pm
Contact us on 01274 082929
Orthotics Department
Level 6
West Riding House
41 Cheapside
Bradford
BD1 2NB
By this point your ankle may feel slightly better. It is now time to start moving it by:
Simple analgesics can be used after injury/infection, most of which can be bought over the counter in shops, supermarkets or pharmacy’s. Examples are:
You may have been prescribed an alternative pain killer, please refer to specific advice for that tablet if this is the case.
Most ankle injuries take 2-3 weeks to recover but can sometimes take up to 6 weeks to be completely comfortable.
You may have been given a follow-up appointment with an ankle specialist or physiotherapist. It is very important that you keep your appointment to make sure your ankle gets completely better.
If you have any ongoing concerns or queries about your ankle injury you should contact NHS 111 or your local GP. If your concern is urgent or an emergency, attend your local Emergency Department.
