Custom Orthotics

Mickstercf

Hi,

I have recently bought some custom orthotics from a podiatrist to "correct my gait".

1 the devices are useless and the pain I was experiencing has increased.

2 the cover on the devices has slipped a little to expose sharp edges on the heel which has caused a lot of hard skin to build up which I have had to have removed.

The devices cost approx £200 and the assesment was also approx £200.

What rights do I have?

Am I correct in thinking that I am entitled to a refund under the Sale of Goods Act?

Cheers,

Mick

Mickstercf

Just had a reponse from my request for a refund:
"Obviously we do not refund a bespoke product."

Kavanne

Surely if it's faulty (the sharp edges) they have to refund/repair/replace (I can't remember which they are obligated to do)

Also, what is 'recently'?

Mickstercf

They are approximately 6 months old. Not had much wear because I was not happy with them.

I have only just been told my a podiatrist that they are causing a build up of dead skin on the heels. He removed a significant pile of it with a scalpel and said it was caused by poorly fitting orthotics. It was after this I looked at them and noticed the sharp plastic edge at the heel.

I would prefer a refund because I think that they do not work and I believe that returning them as faulty is my best option.

Think I have a chance?

Cheers

Mickstercf

I guess the real question is:

Does the Sale of Goods Act give me the same rights for bespoke goods as other goods.

Can I get a refund for faulty goods even if they were made specifically for me?

Seems fair to me?

vyle

I'd be interested about this as I have custom orthotics too. One pair is just the same as you described (my backup pair).

The other problem I have is that they don't fit very well in ANY shoes as they're longer and slightly wider than my usual pair so just won't fit.

Are yours Langer by any chance? I think it's terrible that the NHS doesn't offer orthotics to any decent spec anyway, but that's another rant entirely...

lucky11_2

I don't get why there would be sharp edges on orthotics in the first place. I've seen them made as part of one of my courses so I'm a bit baffled.... sounds like a gripe about poor quality workmanship rather than a complaint about the bespoke quality of the orthotics themselves. I don't know where you'd stand with them being so 'not new' though, BUT...as an aside, orthotics can cause discomfort for a while when you first use them as your body is getting used to a new position, it may seem a very small degree but it isn't when it comes to a shift in your posture, you have to use them continuously. However I am not advising you should do that if you choose not to - there is another option you can try for gait or postural adjustment and that is a decent osteopath or a good sports therapist

*For anyone after orthotics you could do worse than to make an appointment with your local podiatry college students - they are overseen at every stage and will do a very cheap and thorough assessment and provide custom orthotics too, at least they did a few years ago in Birmingham. Worth phoning your local college and asking though.

Mickstercf

vyle:

No they are not Langar ones, I have had Langar ones before with no problem. They are from Sub-4.

lucky11:

The sharp edges are actually the edges on the heel cup, they were protected by a cover but it looks like they have pushed throught the cover (I initially though the cover had slipped). The problem is not simply discomfort but a podiatrist has advised me that they are causing significant amounts of hard skin to build up on my heel which needs to be removed or it could cause other problems.

I have had several pairs of orthotics and this is the first pair I have had a problem with.

Swishy_bell

Hi

I am a podiatrist (though I work in the NHS ot privately). Have you been to see the Podiatrist who prescribed them for you? If they are really uncomfortable and making your symptoms worse then they probbaly need adjusting. I Hand make all the orthotics I prescribe but when you send them away to company as most private podiatrists do (as the equipment to make them is so big and expensive) they are often made to standed degrees in wedging. a slight adjustment can make a big difference. A sharp edge at the back should be relatively simple to smooth and recover.

I would have thought most podiatrists would at least offer a free consultation to discuss this but each will have thier own policy. I would have thought you would get much further attempting to get an adjusment rather than a refund though.

Hope that helps!

Mickstercf

Cheers Swishy.

I was not at all impressed with the podiatist, I believe his diagnosis was guesswork and is completely wrong. I have since seen another podiatrist who has given me a completely different diagnosis. I was hoping the fact that they are faulty would enable me to get my money back.

Tozer

Mickstercf wrote: »

I guess the real question is:

Does the Sale of Goods Act give me the same rights for bespoke goods as other goods.

Can I get a refund for faulty goods even if they were made specifically for me?

Seems fair to me?

Assuming faulty, then your rights under the SOGA for bespoke goods are the same as for any other.