About us

The orthotic service provides a comprehensive outpatient orthotic service, supplying devices (orthotics) to aid movement, correct deformity and relieve discomfort as a result of an injury or long-term condition. Examples of these include insoles, ankle foot orthosis, knee brace, calipers or footwear to help improve mobility, reduce pain and support the affected area to allow for symptom management. The team specialises in complex rehabilitation problems for patients with musculoskeletal, degenerative and/or neuromuscular problems; many of which utilise our large range of multidisciplinary teams.

Opening hours

We run clinics on a Tuesday and Wednesday.

The orthotic department is open for collection of products between 9am-1pm and 2pm-4pm, Monday to Thursday. When attending to collect an orthotic device or dropping a device in for repair or maintenance, please call the administration team beforehand on 0208 9342164 so your product can be looked out. Please report to the main outpatients reception desk and they will make contact with the Orthotic department administration team to facilitate the orthotic device collection.

Treatments provided

  • CAD CAM custom-made insoles, stock insoles also provided where clinically appropriate
  • Orthopaedic footwear, stock, modular and made to measure dependant on clinical appropriateness
  • Ankle foot orthoses both stock and made to measure
  • Knee bracing stock and made to measure in unique cases
  • Knee ankle foot orthoses (KAFOs)
  • Stance control KAFOs
  • Custom spinal orthoses
  • Post-operative bracing

If you are attending for an initial foot assessment and you are suffering from foot pain it is important that you initially address the appropriateness of the footwear you are wearing. Patients wearing sandals, open back shoes or ballet pump shoes may not be provided with treatment until they have invested in better quality footwear to aid with rehabilitation of foot problems.

We recommend that every patient attends with sensible and sturdy shoes, ideally a shoe with a fastening (either laces or Velcro). Slip-on shoes are best avoided. Trainers can be very good for providing additional cushion and a removeable insole which would provide space for an orthotic device. Please attend wearing footwear that has a firm and stable heel counter (the area at the back of the shoe) and a thick sole. If the clinician feels a patient does not have appropriate footwear for an orthotic device to be used, we will advise and a follow-up will be booked for future treatment once appropriate footwear has been purchased.

If you have previously had any orthotic intervention, please bring the previously supplied orthosis to your assessment. This is important in all cases whether the supplied product is used or unsuccessful, as it will ensure no repeat of failed products. If a previous treatment has worked well, we will aim to replicate the orthosis as closely as possible for continued symptom management.

How to refer

GPs can refer directly into the orthotic department using the Choose and Book system.

A referral can also be made to the orthotic department by any other specialty within the hospital including the diabetic foot clinic, orthopaedics, rheumatology and neurology.

Referrals must state the following information:

  • the patient’s name, date of birth and contact details
  • the patient’s GP and contact details
  • the orthotic device being referred for
  • a diagnosed condition and current clinical presentations/signs

Contact us

If you cannot get through to our administration team on the phone, you can leave your name, contact number and a brief reason for your call and we will get back to you as soon as possible.