Insoles

Orthotic insoles can be worn to control the alignment and motion of the foot when standing or walking. They can be used to assist in recovery from an existing injury by offloading or providing support to targeted areas of the foot. Custom insoles can be made to provide relief to selected areas of the foot to reduce pain and increase mobility. Leeds Orthotics provide both off the shelf (OTS) and custom insoles.

What can insoles be used to treat?

Orthotic insoles can be used to provide treatment for a range of conditions, including:

Change and controlling motion at the foot can also have a whole host of benefits for other joints in the body, too. For example pain in the hips or lower back can be treated effectively in certain cases by the appropriate use of insoles. Adaptations can be made to OTS insoles allowing for relief from painful conditions such as a neuroma.

Who should wear insoles?

There are many cases where someone might benefit from wearing an insole in one or both shoes. Improving posture can have many benefits and starts with the alignment of the feet and ankles, and insoles can even offer benefits at the knee and hip joints. Insoles are often worn in uncomfortable shoes to provide support to the foot or in situations which require people to spend extended periods of time on their feet.

It is increasingly common for athletes to wear insoles across a wide range of sports to reduce the risk of injuries occurring in the first place.

How do you wear insoles?

Insoles come in different lengths (commonly ¾ or full length) and can be shaped and trimmed to fit into your current footwear in most cases. Sometimes the current insole is removed from your footwear, in other cases the new insole can sit on top of the existing inner of your shoe.

What is the process for a patient to receive insoles?

The first step in the process is to attend an initial assessment with one of our orthotists. They will conduct a full physical assessment of one or both feet, depending on the condition and discuss the aims of your treatment. Your orthotist will observe you walking and perform tests to determine the strength of muscles in the foot, and tests may be performed to assess the strength or condition of structures in and around the foot, including the arch and tendons. If custom insoles are required, a cast will be taken of your feet and then insoles manufactured and fitted at the next appointment. A follow up review appointment is made to ensure that your insoles are achieving the desired outcome and to make adjustments if required.

How long will I need to wear the orthosis?

Insoles may be worn temporarily until an injury has healed or on a more permanent basis depending on the condition or reason for wearing the insole(s) in the first place.

To arrange an appointment call Leeds Orthotics now on 0330 088 3949, or email us at office@leedsorthotics.co.uk