Insoles Wear and Care Information

You have been provided with Orthotic Insoles by either the Orthotics or Podiatry service.

Please follow the instructions given to you at your clinical appointment by your clinician and use the enclosed information for further reference.

Why have I been provided with insoles?

There are a number of reasons why insoles may be prescribed.

The main purpose of an Orthotic insole is to offer support to the foot structures and to rebalance the foot to prevent unwanted symptoms.

Some symptoms that may improve with use of an insole include:

• Lower limb pain                               
• Unwanted pressure or callus development 
• Poor balance and ankle stability
• Poor foot posture

Your prescribed insoles have been provided to meet your clinical needs and have been customised (adapted) by your Clinician to treat your presenting symptoms. Only you should use your insoles.

How often should my I wear my insoles?

When provided with your prescribed insoles, it is important to increase your wear time gradually.

Your prescribed insoles may apply corrective forces and will attempt to rebalance the structures of the foot. It is important for you to adjust to these slowly and to monitor any changes, improvement or deterioration of symptoms.

During your appointment your Orthotist or Podiatrist will have provided advice about wearing your insoles, however we would generally suggest to start wearing your prescribed insoles for approximately 30 minutes on Day One, increasing this period of time by 30 minutes each day.

Once you are able to wear your insoles for five hours without any problems, you may start to wear them daily.  

What should I expect when I first start to wear my insoles?

The first time you wear your insoles they may feel strange or a little uncomfortable, just like wearing a new pair of shoes. Do not be surprised if you feel a little discomfort in your legs during the early stages of wear.  Muscles will be adapting to new ways of working and this should gradually settle with time.

If there is a lasting discomfort that does not settle with time, you can reduce the amount of time you are wearing your Orthotic insoles. 

What shoes should I wear with my insoles?

Athough your insoles will offer support, they will only be fully effective if they are use with supportive/suitable footwear. When purchasing footwear it is important to focus on the following characteristics:

• Footwear with a strong heel counter (back part of the shoe)
• Footwear with a deep upper structure
• Footwear with a removable lining
• Footwear with a wide sole and heel unit
• Footwear with a good lace or Velcro fastening

How should I care for my insoles?

Your insoles are very easy to care for.

By wiping your insoles with a damp cloth or wipe, this will prevent bacteria building up and will prevent the materials becoming worn too quickly.

How often will my prescription be reviewed?

Your insole provision will not be reviewed routinely by your clinician. However we advise that you contact to arrange a review appointment if the following applies:

• One year after supply for general review
• You feel your insoles have worn and are no longer functioning effectively
• Your symptoms have returned
• You are concerned about a change in your condition
• Should you have recived your insoles from the Musckuloskeletal service, please be aware you may be asked to obtain a further referral from your GP

How do I contact the service?

• Orthotics Service-01429 522 471

• Podiatry Biomechanics Department, Lawson Street Health Centre, Stockton  –  01429 522471

• Musculoskeletal Department, One Life, Hartlepool 01429 522471

• Musculoskeletal Department, Lawson Street Health Centre, Stockton 01429 522471

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

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Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

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Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]