A pair of orthotics like my NHS pair

Suewre

At the grand old age of 45, and after many years of pain, someone suggested I go to see the doctor and get some orthotics (I have had various problems and operations on my knees over the years, but no one has mentioned there was something that could help before). I now officially have knocked knees (genus valgum).

I was given a pair of orthotics by the podiatrist, they are wonderful and have made a huge difference to my life. But I only have the one pair, so I have to move them when I change shoes.

I have looked on line (including ebay) but I don't know if they are the same as mine. Mine are made of bright blue fairly solid plastic, and have an orange additional bit stuck to the bottom to lift one side up (the inner side - to tilt my feet further outwards). The name salford insoles is on the bottom - I have looked at Salford insoles, but they only sell to professionals.

Is it possible to get additional orthotics for my particular needs online or in a shop, or do I need to go to a podiatrist and buy a pair from them? - if so, anyone any idea how much they would charge?

Many thanks, Sue

achtunglady

I was quoted £250 for a pair of orthotics from a private podiatrist, I had a pair from the nhs, just a rubber sole with hard plastic wedges in place, they dont last long unlike the solid plastic ones, not sure if they will give you another one

jenniewb

I don't know if it helps but I have been told I need orthotics by both a physio and otheopedic consultant. I was advised that over the counter (so to speak) pairs were just as good but that you'd need to change them more frequently as they were not built to last. I read on another site (think it was physioroom?) that you'd be best advised to change them every 6 months at least if you wear them daily.

I got a pair to keep me going (until I get them from the hospital) from ebay, they are made from silicone and I can't see them lasting longer then 6 months tbh but I could be wrong! I paid less then £5 for them and having worn them I do notice the instant relief- will be interested to see how the hospitals version works out in comparison.

(I have fallen arches btw)

themacster

The ones you have are probably made to a particular specification regarding the amount and position of the anti-pronation wedge. I had a pair made up some 15 years ago for my running shoes as I over-pronate and was getting shin splints and ended up with a stress fracture of the lower fibula on my right leg - what he did was take the insole from my running shoes and stick on shaped hard rubber wedges underneath down the inside, but to particular degrees - I can't remember exactly what they were but it was something like 2 degrees toe and 4 degrees heel for the left foot; 2 degrees toe and 6 degrees heel for the right foot. So you can see that any extra pair need to be to the same prescription. You can buy ones that you heat and stand on and they mould to your foot, but I think your best bet initially would be to speak to your podiatrist and see if he can either give you another pair, or quote for an extra pair or give guidance where to obtain further pairs if he can give you the prescription.