General advice
Your child has been given insoles to wear inside their shoes. They may be made of plastic, leather or other material and are designed to help correct the foot position. They may be half or full length.
What shoes can be worn?
You will be able to buy your own shoes to wear with the insoles and your therapist/orthotist will give you advice about the style. You may need to buy a slightly larger width fitting. Insoles should always be used with good walking shoes, preferably lacing or T-bar. They can usually be transferred to other footwear.
You should always take the insoles with you when trying footwear on your child.
When should insoles be worn?
The therapist / orthotist will explain how to use them.
New insoles may feel a little uncomfortable at first. It is best to wear insoles gradually for the first week. This will let your child get used to wearing the insoles and any discomfort should disappear. However, if the insoles cause pain please stop your child wearing them and contact the number supplied.
Insoles should be worn at all times when walking shoes are being used. It is not necessary to wear them after a bath before bed or on the beach, and you should not be concerned if short periods of time are spent without them.
Care and Cleaning
It is important that insoles are changed as feet grow, although sometimes an insole may fit two successive shoe sizes. A good test on full-length leather insoles is by looking at the imprint of the toes on the insoles, and if the toes are at the end a replacement may be required.
Check the insoles and your child’s feet regularly for:
- Skin soreness or very red marks
- If the insole is becoming too small
- If your child is complaining of discomfort or pain from the insole
- If the insole is cracked, broken or worn out
Please do not try to make any repairs or adjustments to the insoles as this could be dangerous.
Contact the telephone number supplied immediately if any of the above happen, or if you have any other concerns about the insoles.
Regular changes of socks will help prevent soiling of the insole and socks with high natural fibre content can help prevent sweating e.g., cotton. Comfort may also be improved by:
- Using seamless socks, or worn inside out
- Avoiding lacy socks
- Avoiding embossed patterns on socks
- Avoiding socks being too small
- Avoiding thick socks
Cleaning
- Wipe insoles with a slightly damp cloth regularly
- Do not wash them or put them in a washing machine
Specific advice (if appropriate)
Review
Arrangements will be made to review the insole
- Appointment to be sent to you for orthotic clinic
- Parent/carer to contact number supplied to arrange an appointment
- Therapist will review and advise
- Other……………………………
The orthotist who supplied you was ……………………………………………
The therapist who supplied you was ……………………………………………
Cost of orthosis and date issued …………………………………….
If the insoles are lost or wilfully damaged, you may be charged for the replacement
If you have any concerns about the insoles please contact us on telephone number 0191 4453124
Children's Physiotherapy
Clinical Team Manager
Children’s Physiotherapy Service
Agile Area
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Gateshead
Tyne and Wear
NE9 6SX
