Orthotic footwear – Information for patients and carers

Orthotics department

About Your Footwear

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:

• To provide stability and support to the foot and ankle.
• To protect diabetic, osteoarthritic and rheumatoid arthritic feet and to reduce the risk of ulcers for conditions such as diabetes.
• To accommodate an irregular shape or size of foot or specialist insole.

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.

When Should The Footwear Be Worn?

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:

• blistering
• swelling
• persistent pressure marks which remain after 30 minutes of removing the footwear

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.

Looking After Your Footwear

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.

Repairs

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.

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 3-6 weeks.

What Happens Next?

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 and you can contact us on 01274 082929

You can find us at: Orthotics Department, Level 6, West Riding House, 41 Cheapside, Bradford, BD1 2NB