FAQs

Questions about orthotics

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are a wide range of devices which are provided to aid recovery, prevent injury or manage a condition. Using biomechanics devices are created to reduce pain and maintain mobility. Orthotics include insoles, braces for different joints, splints, AFOs (Ankle Foot Orthoses), callipers, specialist footwear, spinal braces/jackets and protective helmets. At Orthotics UK we are able to provide all orthotics.

What is an Orthotist?

An Orthotist is a qualified healthcare professional whom is able to assess an individual's need to reduce pain/discomfort, aid movement and correct deformity.

How are Orthotists accredited?

Orthotists are all registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. You can check their credentials here. Our Orthotists are also registered with the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) the national governing body representing prosthetists and orthotists within the UK.

Why should I buy custom orthotics instead of off the shelf?

For some people off the shelf orthotics will be appropriate and will alleviate their symptoms. However custom orthotics are designed specifically with your needs and demands in mind, using biomechanical principles our experienced orthotists will select the appropriate adaptations and materials to construct your orthotics.

How long will it take for my orthotics to be made?

Manufacturing times can vary depending on the complexities of the orthotic device required. Your orthotist will be able to give you a more specific timeframe at your appointment. We aim to have the orthotics made and fitted as soon as possible, at a time to suit you.

How long do orthotics last?

Different types of orthotics will last different lengths of time, as a general rule if you are finding your symptoms return or change your orthotics are likely to need replacing or repairing.

How can I tell if my child has grown out of their orthotics?

How is my bespoke AFO made?

The exact manufacturing process for a bespoke AFO varies dependant upon the material the it is made from and the type of AFO prescribed. These are the steps that are generally taken to manufacture your AFO:

An impression of your foot and ankle is taken. This usually involves wrapping a plaster of paris bandage around your leg and then cutting it off with plaster scissors, which are blunt at the ends to make sure that you don’t get cut. Sometimes other types of bandage are used or the foot and ankle is scanned using a 3D scanner.

A positive mould of your foot and ankle is made. The cast is filled with plaster or a 3D model of your foot and ankle is drilled out of a heat resistant foam. At this point small modifications may be made, such as increasing the support for the arch of your foot or adjusting the angle in which your foot will sit in the device.

The AFO material is formed around the model - this can be a range of materials including thermoplastic, carbon fibre or silicone.

The AFO is cut to shape. A technician cuts the AFO to the right shape for your needs, then carefully smooths the edges. They will check your shoe size and cut the AFO to fit in, but you are likely to need a size larger than you usually wear to accommodate it.

Additions like straps and padding are added. The location of any straps and padding will be according to the advice of your orthotist and according you your body.

The AFO is provided to you. Small amendments can be often be made by the orthotist to help get the fit perfect.

Referrals

Who can make referrals?

We accept referrals from individuals, parents/carers, healthcare professionals, case managers, solicitors and charities.

Can I self refer?

Yes you are welcome to contact us directly without having seen a doctor or consultant.

Do I need a referral from my doctor or consultant?

No, you can contact us today to arrange an appointment to meet with our team to discuss your needs. We are however happy to receive referrals from doctors, consultants, case managers or solicitors.

Services

Can you repair my current orthotics?

Yes. At Orthotics UK we will do our best to repair your current orthotics or if they are beyond repair our orthotists will work with you to recreate them.

I have orthotics from the NHS can you copy them?

At Orthotics UK our orthotist will be able to assess your current orthotic prescription and if they feel it is the correct orthoses they will attempt to repeat. However we are unable to guarantee exact copies being manufactured due to the possibility of different manufacturers being used.

I have already have/have been recommended orthotics but would like a second opinion is that possible?

We are more than happy to provide a second opinion to any orthotic intervention you have been provided or recommended.

Do I have to attend a fitting appointment or can you post my orthoses?

At Orthotics UK we provide fitting appointments free of charge. Our fitting appointments provide you and your orthotist with the opportunity to ensure your orthoses fits perfectly. We highly recommend attending the appointments.

Do you provide medicolegal services?

I am a sports coach can you help my athletes/team?

At Orthotics UK we love our sport and we love to help teams and individuals to perform to the best of their ability. Orthotics can help in a wide range of aspects of an individual’s sporting performance including reducing the risk of injury, increasing proprioception and increasing efficiency when running or moving. Our experienced team are happy for athletes to visit us in clinic or if more appropriate we can come to you. We will perform full assessments and provide recommendations of suitable orthotic interventions. We are also able to provide custom made sports protection find out more here.

Assessments

Who will be doing my assessment?

In most cases your assessment will be completed by one of our experienced orthotists. However if you have requested a multidisciplinary assessment there will be additional healthcare professionals in attendance.

What will my assessment involve?

Your assessment will be made up of a number of elements. Your orthotist will initially discuss with you the issue that has brought you to see us, they will also take a medical history and information regarding previous treatments you have received. Together you will also talk about what you hope to achieve with your treatment. Your orthotist will then observe your movement, complete a visual analysis and a physical examination. This will then enable your orthotist to discuss potential suitable orthoses. If required your orthotist will then take measurements, a cast or scan to enable your bespoke orthoses to be manufactured.

How long will my assessment last?

Your initial assessment will normally last around 1 hour however our team will advise you on booking.

What should I bring to my appointment?

For any assessment please bring any previous orthotics you have previously been prescribed.

For a spinal or upper limb assessment please wear/bring a vest style top in which the orthotist will be able to assess you fully.

If you are coming regarding your feet, knees or hips please wear/bring shorts/skirt as well as the shoes you wear most frequently.

If you are coming for an insole fitting please wear/bring footwear which is enclosed and has secure fastening e.g. velcro or laces.

How can I book an assessment?

You can book an assessment by calling 0330 088 3949, emailing office@orthotics.co.uk or by completing a form online here.

How can I cancel an assessment?

If you are unable to attend or would like to rearrange your assessment please call us as soon as possible on 0330 088 3949. If you cancel with less than 48hrs notice you will be charged the full amount of your appointment cost.

Pricing and finance options

How can I pay?

Payment is accepted by cash, cheque, card or bank transfer. We also work with all major medical insurance companies.

When do I pay?

We require payment prior to your initial assessment, subsequent treatment will be invoiced at the end of each month.

How much do orthotics cost?

The cost of orthotics varies you will be provided with a full quotation for the cost of your treatment following your initial assessment.

Is there financial assistance available?

Whilst we are unable to provide reduced rates for our services and orthotics we are able to provide finance packages to help spread the cost of treatment.

Will my private health insurance pay for treatment?

We are able to accept payment through health insurance however please check directly with your insurers as to whether orthotic treatment is covered within your policy.

Will I get charged for a missed or cancelled appointment?

If you cancel an appointment with more than 48 hrs notice there will be no charge. If you miss or cancel your appointment with less than 48 hrs notice you will be charged 100% of the appointment cost.

Where and when

Does Orthotics UK do home visits?

Yes we do. If you are unable to come to one of our clinic locations we will come to you, this doesn’t have to be at home either, it could be your workplace, where you play sport or your child’s school. Just let us know when you contact us about your prefered location.

My child requires orthotics for school can you visit us there?

We understand a child has many different needs and our team are more than happy to complete assessments at a child’s school.

Can you come to my work?

Yes, we are able to complete work based assessments. Contact us today to discuss this with our team.

Are assessments available in the evenings or at weekends?

Yes, we have assessments available throughout the week including weekends and evenings.

Who we work with

Who can use your service?

Anyone can access the services available at Orthotics UK. We work with patients of all ages and whether you have a formal diagnosis or not.

Do you work work with children?

Yes all of our orthotists have a wide range of experience working with children to provide them with the most appropriate orthotics for their conditions. To find out more information please visit our Paediatric Clinic page.

Do you work with athletes or provide sport specific orthotics?

Yes, our experienced orthotists and additional team members including physios have extensive experience working with athletes to help minimise the risk of injury or help in the recovery process following injury. We also work with athletes to undertake gait and movement analysis to help increase efficiency and achieve micro gains.

Do you work with case managers and solicitors?

We provide full medicolegal services and work closely with both case managers and solicitors.

Careers

What roles are available at Orthotics UK?

We are always looking out for Orthotists, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists to join our team.

Do you provide training for orthotists?

To train as an orthotist you must complete a degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics at either University of Salford or University of Strathclyde.

We are unfortunately unable to provide work experience or placements.

Do you provide CPD training for qualified orthotists?

We regularly hold CPD training days and events for orthotists and other healthcare professionals. Find out about our upcoming events here.

Do you have any part time roles available?

We are able to offer part time roles for our clinicians and may also have part time administration opportunities from time to time.

I would like to know more about the role of an Orthotist, can I do work experience?,/

Unfortunately we are unable to provide any work experience opportunities.

How can I find out about available jobs?

You can find out about our available jobs on our Linkedin, Facebook or Twitter.

I have sent you my CV when will you get back to me?

Thank you for getting in touch with us, our team will have a look over your CV and will get back in touch with you as soon as possible.

Policies and other questions

What are your terms and conditions?

You can find our terms and conditions here.

What is your confidentiality policy?

Our confidentiality policy is available here.

What is your privacy policy?

Find out how we use the data collected on our website and our privacy policy here.

Do you work with the media?

We are happy to work with the media, find out more here.