FAQ's

UK’s Premier Foot Orthotics Manufacturer

ORTHOTICS: Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people need orthotics?

An estimated 80% of the UK population suffer from a fallen arches (the medical term is over pronation). Some people over pronate more than others. The fact that so many of us have fallen arches can be contributed to the hard, flat surfaces we walk and run on daily. Also sport, age, weak muscles and body weight play a role. Hence, over pronation is more prevalent in runners, older people and also in people who are overweight.

For many over pronation doesn't pose a real problem, especially when they are still young. However, abnormal foot function and shock absorption caused by over pronation can lead to various conditions such as Heel pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Shin Splints, High Arches, Top and Bottom of the Foot Pain, Arch Pain, Flat Foot Problems, Painful Arches, Shin Pain, Ankle Pain, Heel Spurs, Morton’s Neuroma, Bunions, Metatarsalgia, Aching Legs, Knee Pain and Lower Back Pain.

What is a foot orthotic ?

An orthotic (orthotic insole, shoe insert or orthosis are different terms, but they all mean the same) is a device placed inside the shoes with the purpose of restoring our natural foot function. Many common foot and leg complaints such Heel pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Shin Splints, High Arches, Top and Bottom of the Foot Pain, Arch Pain, Flat Foot Problems, Painful Arches, Shin Pain, Ankle Pain, Heel Spurs, Morton’s Neuroma, Bunions, Metatarsalgia, Aching Legs, Knee Pain and Lower Back Pain are caused by poor foot biomechanics. Biomechanics is the science that studies the body's movements during walking, running and sports. The most common form of poor foot biomechanics is over pronation. This is the dropping of the arches and rolling inwards of the feet and ankles. An estimated 80% of the population suffers from over pronation. Orthotics help to correct and stabilise over pronation and re-align the foot and ankle bones to their neutral position, restoring natural foot function. In turn, reducing abnormal shock absoption in the feet, knees and lower back.

What is over pronating feet?

Over pronation is a common foot condition which causes the arches of the feet to flatten. As the individual transfers weight from the heel to the ball-of-the foot, the foot will roll in too far, such that the weight is distributed unevenly across the foot.

Orthotics help to lock and stabilise the feet, thus limiting the over pronation and reducing the resulting associated foot and leg conditions. Buying a pair of orthotics can be worthwhile investment in your health, because they can also prevent many future biomechanical problems.

What types of orthotics are available?

Generally speaking, there are 2 different types of orthotics:

1) Custom made orthotics: These orthotics are manufactured by Podiatrists or sometimes the Podiatrist outsource to an orthotic manufacturing laboratory. After the initial diagnosis, the Podiatrist takes plaster casts of the feet. These negative casts are then filled with plaster of paris, producing a pair of plaster feet which are a copy of the patient’s feet. The Podiatrist or orthotic laboratory technician then heat mould a suitable plastic or EVA orthotic shell material over the plaster cast. This is then cut, grinded and crafted into custom made orthotics. The cost of custom made orthotics can vary, but it they average between £200 - £300 a pair.

2) Ready-made ‘off the shelf’ orthotics: Ready-made orthotics are medium to firm density shoe inserts, available online, from some Podiatrists, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths and pharmacies. In general these orthotics are suitable for most people who suffer from over pronation, with the resulting foot and lower limb problems.

For which complaints and conditions can orthotics be used for?

Orthotics are can help abnormal foot function and shock absorption caused by over pronation. These complaints and conditions include Heel pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Shin Splints, High Arches, Top and Bottom of the Foot Pain, Arch Pain, Flat Foot Problems, Painful Arches, Shin Pain, Ankle Pain, Heel Spurs, Morton’s Neuroma, Bunions, Metatarsalgia, Aching Legs, Knee Pain and Lower Back Pain.

Who can benefit from wearing orthotic insoles ?

Any person suffering from foot pain will generally benefit from wearing orthotics. An estimated 80% of the UK population suffer from a fallen arches (the medical term is over pronation). Some people over pronate more than others. The fact that so many of us have fallen arches can be contributed to the hard, flat surfaces we walk and run on daily. Also sport, age, weak muscles and body weight play a role. Hence, over pronation is more prevalent in runners, older people and also in people who are overweight. Therefore older people will almost certainly benefit from wearing an orthotic insole.

• Runners and Athletes: Running and athletics puts extra strain on the muscles, tendons and bones. In turn this can lead to biomechanical injuries with associated foot, leg and lower back problems. Orthotics can play an important in preventing sports injuries such as Heel pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Shin Splints, High Arches, Top and Bottom of the Foot Pain, Arch Pain, Flat Foot Problems, Painful Arches, Shin Pain, Ankle Pain, Heel Spurs, Morton’s Neuroma, Bunions, Metatarsalgia, Aching Legs, Knee Pain and Lower Back Pain.

• Factory workers, nurses, teachers, post office workers and people in retail and in the building industry who is required to stand on their feet all day.

• People with arthritis.

• Overweight people.

How do I know that FootSupports™ orthotics will work?

FootSupports™ orthotics have helped many thousands of people in the UK and Europe. In general these orthotics are suitable for most people who suffer from over pronation, with the resulting foot and lower limb problems.

What is our ‘Feel The Comfort’ 30 Days No-Quibble Guarantee?

If you do not ‘Feel The Comfort’ return the FootSupports™ within 30 days with proof of purchase for a full refund. Please allow up to 4 weeks for processing refund.

What materials are FootSupports™ orthotics made of? How long will they last?

FootSupports™ orthotics are made of a medium density material called EVA. The top cover is made from brushed nylon with a soft 2mm Durapontex foam layer. The orthotics also have a shock absorbing heel pad incorporated into them. For continual use FootSupports™ orthotics should be replace after 12 - 24 months. If they are only worn for sports, then they may not need to be replaced for a longer period of time.

Will FootSupports™ orthotics fit in all my different shoes?

3/4 Length FootSupports™ Orthotics are suitable to fit most men’s and ladies regular fitting shoes and boots.

Full Length FootSupports™ Orthotics are designed for Boots, Trainers and Shoes which feature removable insoles. Please note that they can be trimmed with scissors to fit the shoe, should they be too long.

How do I keep FootSupports™ orthotics clean?

To clean FootSupports™ Simply wipe them with a warm soapy cloth. DO NOT soak them or put them in your washing machine.

Does it take long to get used to my new FootSupports™ orthotics?

No, it shouldn’t take long to become accustomed to wearing FootSupports™ orthotics. Most people will find them comfortable immediately. Some people, however, need a time to get used to them. If the orthotic feels strange or uncomfortable at first, we recommend you following our wearing instructions.

Orthotics Wearing Instructions

Week 1:
Day 1: 1 hour (or until sore)
Day 2: 2 hours (or until sore)
Day 3: 2-4 hours (or until sore)
Day 4: 2-4 hours (or until sore)
Day 5: 2-4 hours (or until sore)
Day 6: 2-4 hours (or until sore)
Day 7: 2-4 hours (or until sore)
Week 2: 4-6 hours (or until sore)
Week 3: 6-8 hours (or until sore)
Week 4: Gradually increase the time, until comfortable all day.