What are orthotics and insoles? 

Orthotics and insoles are terms that are used interchangeably and are devices worn inside your shoes to help manage foot pain, improve comfort and influence the way your feet function and move (known as biomechanics). 

They may help to redistribute pressure, support foot function, accommodate deformities and reduce strain on certain structures within the foot. 

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Orthotics can be helpful for a range of foot conditions, including: 

• Pes planus (flat feet) and other variations in foot posture. 

• Pain associated with mechanical foot problems. 

• Fixed foot deformities, where additional support or pressure relief is required. 

• Painful corns and areas of increased pressure. 

• Tendon conditions, such as tendinopathy. 

• Foot problems associated with inflammatory and rheumatological conditions. 

 

The type of orthotic recommended will depend on your individual foot structure, symptoms, diagnosis and footwear. 

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Who might benefit from orthotics? 

Orthotics can be used for a variety of reasons, depending on your individual needs. Following an assessment, your podiatrist may recommend orthotics to: 

• Redistribute pressure away from painful areas of the foot. 

• Accommodate foot deformities and improve comfort when walking. 

• Reduce pressure and friction associated with painful corns and calluses. 

• Support foot function and influence the way your feet move. 

• Help manage strain on tendons and other soft tissue structures. 

• Provide additional support during recovery from certain injuries or foot conditions. 

 

Some patients may only need orthotics temporarily, for example during recovery from an injury. Others may benefit from longer-term use, particularly where a fixed deformity or ongoing foot condition is present. 

Orthotics are not always necessary, and your podiatrist will discuss whether they are appropriate for you following an individual assessment. 

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What types of orthotics are available at The Orchard Clinic, and how much do they cost? 

The Orchard Clinic offers a range of orthotic options to suit different foot conditions and treatment requirements. Your podiatrist will assess your feet and discuss the most appropriate option for you. 

Please note that once orthotics have entered the manufacturing process, they are non-refundable.

 

Bespoke casted orthotics - Prices from £300 

Bespoke orthotics are individually prescribed and manufactured using an impression of your feet or temporary insoles created by your podiatrist during your clinic appointment, which is taken during your clinic appointment. 

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They are made to the specific prescription provided by your podiatrist and can be designed to accommodate foot deformities, redistribute pressure and address your individual biomechanical requirements. 

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Price does not include in-clinic review appointments. 

 

Semi-bespoke orthotics - Prices from £100 

Semi-bespoke orthotics are manufactured using pre-existing orthotic shells, which are then adapted by your podiatrist to meet your individual requirements. 

They can be modified to provide targeted pressure relief and are particularly useful for accommodating foot shape variations and offloading painful skin lesions, such as corns. 

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Price does not include in-clinic review appointments. 

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Off-the-shelf orthotics - Prices from £85 

Off-the-shelf orthotics are manufactured in standard sizes and designs by specialist orthotic manufacturers. 

They can provide support and may be a suitable option for patients who need additional support or short-term symptom relief, for example following an injury. 

They offer a more readily available alternative to bespoke devices, although they provide less scope for individual modification. 

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Price does not include in-clinic review appointments. 

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How frequently should I wear my orthotics? 

When you first receive your orthotics, it is important to introduce them gradually to allow your feet and body time to adjust. 

We generally recommend the following initial wearing schedule: 

• Day 1: Wear your orthotics for one hour. 

• Day 2: Increase to two hours. 

• Day 3: Increase to three hours. 

• Continue gradually increasing the wearing time each day, as tolerated. 

 

If you experience any new or unusual discomfort, including pain in your feet, ankles, knees, hips or back, reduce your wearing time and contact The Orchard Clinic for advice. 

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You should also contact us if you develop rubbing, blisters, redness or skin irritation. 

Your podiatrist will advise you on how frequently they should be worn. For many patients, continued daily use during their usual activities is important to achieve the best results. 

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Will I need to change my footwear? 

You may need to make some adjustments to your footwear to accommodate your orthotics comfortably. 

Generally, shoes with laces or adjustable fastenings, a removable insole and sufficient depth are best suited to orthotic use. Trainers and some school shoes are often suitable options. 

Depending on the type of orthotic prescribed, you may need to choose a shoe with additional depth or go up half a shoe size. 

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Your podiatrist will assess your current footwear during your appointment and provide individual advice on suitable styles and any changes that may be necessary. 

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Will I always need to wear orthotics? 

This depends on the reason your orthotics have been prescribed. 

If your orthotics are being used to help manage a temporary mechanical injury or condition, you may only need them for a limited period while your symptoms improve and the underlying problem resolves. 

However, if they are being used to accommodate a fixed foot deformity, manage an ongoing condition or provide long-term pressure relief, you may benefit from continued use. 

Your podiatrist will discuss your individual treatment plan and advise you on the likely duration of orthotic use. This can be reviewed as your symptoms and needs change. 

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Do I need an appointment before getting orthotics? 

Yes. An assessment with a podiatrist is important to establish whether orthotics are appropriate for you and, if so, which type would be most beneficial. Please book a biomechanics appointment to discuss orthotics.  

During your appointment, your podiatrist will assess your foot structure, posture, movement, symptoms and footwear. They will then discuss the available options and recommend an orthotic solution based on your individual needs. 

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At The Orchard Clinic, we aim to ensure that any orthotics prescribed are appropriate, comfortable and tailored to your treatment goals.