Monitoring Your Child’s Orthotic Prescribed Footwear – PIL1392 version 2

Your child has been prescribed a special type of shoe. They are called Orthotic footwear. Orthotic footwear is used to help treat several conditions. However, its main role is to give better support and stability of the foot and ankle.

What benefits will Orthotic Footwear offer?

• Improved foot and ankle control.
• A wide heel and sole which offers a more stable base of support.
• A secure lace or Velcro fastening.
• A supportive moulded insole to help stabilise (support) the foot structures.

What should I expect from the Orthotic Footwear?

When your child is first given their Orthotic footwear one of the team will check the fit is correct. During the appointment they will make sure the footwear has room for growth.

The team member will explain how to put on the footwear correctly. And they will tell you how to monitor your child’s growth in relation to their footwear.

The team also give wearing time instructions. It is important that these time instructions are followed.

At first your child may feel the Orthotic footwear is heavy and clumsier than their usual footwear. This is due to the increased support and rigidity of the Orthotic footwear.

With time, your child should get used to the change in the style of the footwear. The benefits of the footwear prescription will start to be noticed as your child becomes more used to the Orthotic footwear.

How often should your child’s Orthotic Footwear be worn?

When your child is first given their Orthotic footwear one of the team will check the fit is correct. During the appointment they will make sure the footwear has room for growth.

The team member will explain how to put on the footwear correctly. And they will tell you how to monitor your child’s growth in relation to their footwear.

The team also give wearing time instructions. It is important that these time instructions are followed.

At first your child may feel the Orthotic footwear is heavy and clumsier than their usual footwear. This is due to the increased support and rigidity of the Orthotic footwear.

With time, your child should get used to the change in the style of the footwear. The benefits of the footwear prescription will start to be noticed as your child becomes more used to the Orthotic footwear.

What happens if your child feels pressure or discomfort when wearing the Orthotic footwear?

Please make sure you have followed the wear time schedule provided by the orthotic team.

If you have followed the wear time schedule and problems with pressure or discomfort (pain) are still present, please contact the Orthotic team using the contact details at the end of the leaflet.

Please try to use the Orthotic footwear for at least 1 to 2 weeks before you make contact.

How do you look after the Orthotic footwear?

Your child will be given ONE pair of footwear from the NHS Orthotic Service. It is your responsibility to care for and look after your child’s footwear.

Your child’s footwear will be replaced when they are overly worn, too small or no longer suitable.

Leather footwear should be cleaned regularly and polished if possible.

Suede footwear should be brushed regularly. Spraying with a protection product will also offer better protection from weather conditions.

Do not wash your child’s footwear in a washing machine.

Can I get my child’s Orthotic Footwear repaired?

If the sole of your child’s footwear is damaged or worn, your local shoe repair service can repair these.

If there is a manufacturing fault, or your child’s footwear has a special adaptation, the repairs can be completed through your NHS Orthotic Service.

Should repairs to your child’s footwear be required, it may be suggested that you purchase a pair of supportive footwear that can be used whilst repairs are being made.

How do you monitor your child’s growth and footwear sizing?

During your child’s footwear fitting appointment with the Orthotic team, you will be told how to monitor your child’s growth.

When the footwear is provided, there will be a good amount of growth room for your child’s age but this will need to be monitored.

You should check your child’s footwear size and fit approximately every 3 to 4 weeks.

To check the fit of your child’s footwear you should remove the insole and place your child’s foot onto this. Make sure the heel is sitting correctly and is straight, and the foot is not twisted.

When your child’s foot is in position, assess the gap between the end of the insole and the end of your child’s longest toe (this may not be your child’s big toe).

Your clinician will place a mark on the insoles, which will be your reference for growth. When your child’s longest toe reaches this mark, you should contact your Orthotic Service to request a review/ re-measurement appointment.

How do you contact your Orthotic Service?

North Tees and Hartlepool Foundation Trust

Orthotic Service
Open Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm
Telephone: 01429 522 471 (Choose ‘Option 4’)

Email: [email protected]

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

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 at:

Email: [email protected]