Do I have to be referred by a physiotherapist or doctor?
No, you can make an appointment directly. If you are referred by another health professional, e.g. your doctor, they may be informed on the outcome and treatment plan, if you are happy for this to happen.
What do I need to wear to the first consultation?
Shorts if at all possible, or trousers that can easily be rolled up over the knee. Jeans or other trousers of a thick material, tight fitting trousers and skirts are not suitable. Bring the shoes that you wear most often, but also bring a selection of other shoes that you often wear and we will do our best to ensure your insoles fit most, if not all, of your different shoes.
Will I have to get undressed?
No, wearing shorts will be sufficient and you can have privacy to change into them if needed, or alternatively come in wearing them under your clothes.
How long are the appointments?
The first one will be the longest and you should allow up to one hour for this appointment.
The second and third appointments, which are for fitting and follow up respectively, are shorter - allow about 30 minutes for each one.
Are appointments only available weekdays?
No, you can be seen on a Saturday or in the evening if time out of work/school/college etc is a problem. You may have to wait longer for an evening or Saturday appointment, than for a weekday appointment.
Will I have to stop wearing fashion shoes if I am prescribed insoles?
Not necessarily. If the shoes you wear most often are contributing to your problem, you will be given advice on better types (not necessarily unfashionable!) and for special occasions even foot specialists wear high heels...
Could my knee pains be to do with my feet?
Yes, it is impossible to isolate the movement of one joint in normal walking and running - each joint and segment of the body is dependant on neighbouring joints. Knee pain is commonly caused by foot problems - many of which can be improved with insoles. During the examination, your knees would be assessed for other problems such as cartilage damage or arthritis and advice about these given.
What is pronation and why does it need correcting?
Pronation is a rolling inwards of feet and part of the normal walking cycle. But many people pronate too much, for too long or at the wrong part of the walking cycle. Such incorrect pronation may not cause any problems, but in others it can cause discomfort not only in the feet, but also affecting the legs, knees, hips and even the back. Incorrect pronation is usually easily corrected with specially made insoles.
What about 'anti-pronation' insoles claiming to cure foot, knee, hip and back pain?
Such 'off the shelf' insoles may be of some help, but generally one size does not fit all. Just like spectacles, the amount of correction needed will differ from one person to another. To be sure of success, the insoles really need to be made to a prescription which has been found after careful examination of the feet and gait.
Will I have to wear insoles for life?
The answer will be different for different people and will vary according to their needs, expectations and experiences.
Most people find they need to wear their insoles most when they are on their feet a lot - standing, walking, or running - and may not need to wear them other times. Some insoles are only intended to be used when running, Some problems go away once insoles have been worn for a while and so some people decide not to continue wearing their insoles.
When your insoles are given to you, these points will be discussed with you and advice given, but in the end it will be you who decide the answer.
