A guide to your insoles
You have been supplied with insoles from the Dorset HealthCare Orthotics Service. Insoles are a medical device that are worn inside your footwear to support and position your feet. Insoles are prescribed for a variety of reasons:
- pain or discomfort.
- protection of off-load high peak pressure areas
- realign and control the foot joints
- support to weakened joints or muscles
- stop or limit abnormal motion.
- improve foot alignment during gait.
How long should I wear my insoles?
It is best to gradually break in the insoles for the first week. This will get you used to wearing them, however, if you experience pain or discomfort from the insoles, then please stop wearing them immediately and contact the department. Each time you take off the footwear, check your feet for:
- red marks/abrasions/blisters
- swelling/discolouration
- cuts /open wounds
- warmth/redness
How long should they be worn?
At first, the insoles may feel uncomfortable so you should gradually wear them in using the following schedule:
Day 1: 30-60 minutes Day 3: 3-7 hours
Day 2: 1-3 hours Day 4: 7+ hours
Your orthotist will tell you how long you should build up to, and what activities to wear them for.
Do I need to buy special shoes?
Your insoles are designed to be worn with ordinary footwear.
- Take your insoles with you when you buy shoes.
- Occasionally you may need to go up ½ or 1 size to accommodate your insoles.
- Look for footwear with laces that reach down as far to the toes as possible.
- Look for shoes that are deep and have adequate width.
- Sometimes shoes have removable insoles which can be taken out to create more depth for orthotic insoles.
- Footwear that is sturdy and not too flexible.
What else do I need to know?
Remove insoles from your shoes regularly and check for wear and tear e.g. tears, splits, and creasing. If they become damaged or lost, please contact the service.
How do I care for my insoles?
Wipe the top of your insoles with a damp cloth or wet-wipe regularly - do not soak or put them in the washing machine.
If your insoles become wet then please dry in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. Do not put on a radiator, near a fire, in a tumble dryer or in an airing cupboard.
Do I have to pay for my insoles?
No. Insoles will be prescribed on clinical need, however, if your insoles are lost, stolen, or damaged you will have to pay for replacements in line with Trust policy. Patients who have previously received and provided with over-the-counter insoles or devices are encouraged to continue doing so on their own.
What happens next?
The insoles have been clinically prescribed by the orthotist and have been designed specifically for your foot/ankle presentation. The insoles are NHS property, so please. Do not adjust the insoles yourself.
If you are experiencing any of any problems with your insoles; including top covers peeling off, or if you are experiencing any pain/discomfort, then please stop wearing the insoles immediately and contact the department.
Please note, if you have not attended or attempted to contact the department within two years, you may have been discharged and will require a new referral.
Dorset HealthCare Orthotics Service
Maple Place
St. Marys Road
Poole
BH15 2LG
Opening hours: 8.30-3.30pm, Monday-Friday
Telephone: 0300 0192298