Orthotics and Orthotic Shoes2024-07-02T12:55:31+00:00

Orthotics and Orthotic Shoes

Expert analysis, treatment & custom made orthotic shoes to help with lower limb, foot or heel pain.

SO Podiatry, Worcester, expertly provides podiatry analysis, treatment and custom made orthotics and stylish orthotic shoes to help with any lower limb, foot or heel pain.

Orthotics create a change in load and pressure through your muscles and joints when you stand, walk or run. Orthotics range from simple prefabricated insoles to custom made bespoke orthotics, which fit neatly into your footwear, right through to comfortable and supportive orthotic shoes. At SO Podiatry we will advise if an ankle-foot orthotic is needed and will work with you to advise on which footwear is best suited to relieve your foot pain. Orthotics are made of many different materials and the foot support you require will depend on the results of your biomechanics examination.

If an orthotic shoe is needed, style doesn’t need to be compromised. These days, orthotic shoes are no longer the fashion faux pas of days gone by and there are a range of styles available. We will accurately and fully measure you to ensure the correct fit is purchased to suit your needs.

Certified Phits experts and a Gait and Motion Clinic.

We use modern gait analysis technology (RS scan) in our Worcester podiatry practice and are Certified Phits experts and are a Gait and Motion Clinic. Marathon World Record holder Paula Radcliffe was one of the first athletes to use Phits and says “Without the support of Phits orthotics, it would have been impossible to recover after my surgery and most likely I wouldn’t have been able to continue my running career”.

We are also experienced in using other orthotic manufacturing companies and use the most appropriate orthotic product to ensure the best fit for our patients mechanical needs

Vionic Medical Range footwear

Now available in clinic

Orthotic support

Each pair of Vionic shoes comes with a built-in orthotic footbed, offering unmatched arch support and stability.

Image of Vionic Medical Range Footwear,

Advanced comfort 

These shoes are engineered with premium materials to ensure maximum comfort, reducing foot fatigue and pain.

Image of Vionic Medical Range Footwear.

Stylish design

No need to sacrifice style for comfort. Vionic shoes offer a variety of fashionable options suitable for any occasion.

Image of Vionic Medical Range Footwear.

Improved mobility

Designed to enhance your natural walking motion, these shoes help improve your gait and reduce the risk of foot-related injuries.

Image of Vionic Medical Range Footwear.

Benefits you’ll love

  • Pain Relief 

    Say goodbye to chronic foot pain. Vionic shoes are ideal for those suffering from Plantar Fasciitis, flat feet, or other common foot issues.

  • All-day comfort

    Whether you’re at work, out for a walk, or running errands, you’ll experience all day comfort and support.

  • Boosted confidence

    With their stylist look and comfortable fit, Vionic shoes will boost your confidence, knowing you’re taking the best care of your feet.

Image of Vionic Medical Range Footwear.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to improve your foot health with our new Vionic Medical Range shoes.

Visit us in-house to try them on for yourself, feel the difference.

SO Podiatry

Your leg or foot pain and gait problems are in expert hands.

Orthotics and Orthotic Shoes FAQs

How do I know what orthotics shoes will fit?2022-10-20T13:41:22+00:00

Your podiatrist will accurately measure your feet to ensure the best ‘foot fit’ is achieved ensuring comfort and fit is prioritised whether you wear orthotics with them or not.

What can orthotics help with?2022-10-20T13:42:07+00:00

Orthotics are prescription medical shoes and/or devices that you wear or insert inside your shoes to alter foot and limb biomechanics issues such as problems with how you walk, stand, or run. Orthotics can be used to treat a number of conditions including:

  • Heel pain
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain)
  • Heel Spurs
  • Fallen arches
  • Walking and gait problems
  • Ankle pain
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Ankle hypermobility
  • Ligament strains
  • Back pain
  • Knee pain
  • Joint pain and Arthritis
Why are orthotics recommended?2022-10-20T13:42:26+00:00

At SO Podiatry we prescribe orthotics as part of the treatment plan to help your biomechanical issue. The device sits in your shoes or footwear to alter or force an action of the muscles that make you walk. They work by redistributing pressure and changing the way the body adapts to movement. They are useful to improve muscle engagement and help muscles work better for you. Orthotics are designed to relieve your lower limb issues such as foot or heel pain.

What should my orthotics feel like when I first get them?2022-10-20T13:42:45+00:00

When you initially get your orthotics/ insoles from SO Podiatry they may feel a bit odd. However, this is completely normal. We advise all our clients that on the first day you wear your new orthotics or insoles, you only do this for one hour. Then on day two, you wear them for two hours, day three, three hours etc. With each day, you increase wear time an additional hour until you can manage to wear them all day. When you can wear them all day with no problems this is when it is considered safe to start wearing them for exercise.

If they cause you pain, simply remove them and rest for a day or two, then try again and see how they feel. It is perfectly normal for this process to take anywhere up to two weeks to get used to wearing them, don’t forget everyone is different so try not to compare your experience to someone else. The reason for wearing them in slowly allows your body to get used to the new activity that the orthotics are requiring you to do. Just like any new exercise, it is normal to get some aches and pains in the legs muscles whilst you get used to wearing them.

How long should my orthotic last?2022-10-20T13:43:03+00:00

The lifespan of the orthotic depends on why it was prescribed and what material it is made from and how much you use them. We treat all our clients as individuals, so we will let you know how long your orthotic will last. Foot orthotics are all different, no one size fits all and at SO Podiatry we use various different types depending on your individual case. Custom laboratory manufactured orthotics usually have a longer life span.

It is always advisable to see your podiatrist every 20-24 months if you wear a prescribed pair. It is essential to reassess whether your needs are the same, and if the device is doing what we need it to. It is always important to remember that the body is a live changing tissue that over time changes. So we like to recommend reassessment every 20 months as essential to keep you moving better, pain free and allowing you to live your best life.

Qualifications, Accreditations & Awards

The Latest from the SO Podiatry Blog

Testimonials

After two treatments by Stephanie it was gone! No sign of the verruca on my heel at all. Everybody asks does it hurt. Yes, it does for a very short time. Pay affects people in different ways, for me it was so worthwhile that if I had another verrucae, I would be straight in to see Stephanie. The Swift microwave therapy causes a very short burst of pain, which makes one jump, but is over in seconds. It is no worse than needling. As the treatment progresses the discomfort level decreases to the point where at the end, I could hardly feel it. It really is no big deal ad I would recommend SO Podiatry and the Swift microwave treatment to anyone.

JRW

I can certainly rate Stephanie. My painful verrucae have totally gone, It is such a relief to be able to be on my feet without any pain after all these years.

A A, Worcester

I have seen Steph over the last nine months with a variety of foot ailments and found her to be very professional and approachable. However, most importantly, she has managed to cure my various problems – ingrowing toe nail, verrucae, biomechanics and corn under nail! I have no hesitation in recommending her.

Cliff

Knowing how Stephanie had helped a friend to be able to continue her professional dancing career, I knew I was seeing the right person for my injury. My expectations were more than satisfied in just three weeks and I have been able to walk pain-free after two sessions, the third visit just a check up. The healing and comfort level in my foot continues. Initially fearing I might be virtually house-bound and hobbling to get anywhere, I am able to forget any injury and lead my usual busy life with great joy … and I mean it!! I think everyone should see you Steph!

Mrs A Suganami

My 11-year-old daughter had multiple warts on her hands and multiple verruca on her feet. She was embarrassed and had low confidence due to these embarrassing skin lesions. We had tried helping her with over-the-counter remedies and nothing made a difference. We had read about swift microwave therapy and its success rate, so we booked an appointment to speak with Steph at SO Podiatry to see if this treatment would be successful. Swift microwave therapy was the treatment of choice and after two sessions the Veruca and warts have totally gone. Our daughter is now back to her cheerleading and rock climbing activities which she loves, and we’re pleased to say she is now a much happier and more confident girl.

J. King, Worcester

I’ve been coming to Steph for over a year now for toenail reconstruction and I can’t thank her enough for giving me my confidence back. My toenails have been damaged for years and I’ve always hidden my feet and felt self conscious about them but she’s made it possible for me to have them on show again and I’m so happy.

Miss C Parker

Six months ago I visited So Podiatry and Steph was absolutely amazing in assessing my stance, posture, walking and running gait and then arranging for my custom orthotic insoles to be made by a leading UK supplier. She was informative, knowledgeable and communicative throughout, and I felt that the service was excellent value for money. The orthotics are amazingly comfortable and it took no time at all to get used to wearing them. I recently ran my first marathon, Steph’s advice, treatment and the custom made orthotics made all the difference.

Neil Dixon, Worcester

My 13yr old son first saw Stephanie for a biomechanics appointment. He had frequent calf strains/pulls, and had been injured for 8 weeks. As well as prescribing some insoles, Stephanie recommended specific strengthening exercises. He is now back to playing football 4 times a week, stronger than ever!

Mrs N Parkin

I found the service I got from Stephanie of SO Podiatry was excellent. She was very professional, knowledgeable and seemed to genuinely care about getting a good outcome. I would have no hesitation in recommending her and using her again.

S Gray, Worcester

I used to suffer with incredible knee pain, it was a stabbing sensation that would stop me taking another step. It could be very painful, even at night so I took painkillers every morning and evening for it. Not any more. I just want to say thank you so much as can honestly say I haven’t had any pain in my knee since having MLS Laser treatment at SO Podiatry. I have since stopped taking all painkillers and I am using both legs as evenly as each other, it really is just amazing. At one point I thought I would need a knee replacement and now I’ve even thought about booking a cycling holiday.

Vanessa, Worcester

Contact Us

28 Foregate Street Worcester WR1 1DS

Contact us to discuss treatments and appointments. Booking is advisable but short notice appointments may be available.
Appointments that are cancelled with less than 48 hours notice, or if you fail to attend, the standard fees will be charged.

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