Custom Orthotics &
Arch Support.

Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices — moulded insoles designed specifically for your feet and biomechanics. They're prescribed by a podiatrist based on gait analysis, pressure mapping and functional testing, then manufactured in a specialist laboratory to your exact foot shape and biomechanical needs. Unlike over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics are tailored to your unique foot structure, gait pattern and diagnosis.

Custom orthotics treat: plantar fasciitis (heel and arch pain), flat feet and overpronation, heel spurs and heel pain, metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain), Morton's neuroma, Achilles tendinopathy, knee pain (patellofemoral pain, ITB syndrome), shin splints, ankle instability, bunions and hallux valgus, arthritis in the foot or ankle, diabetes-related foot problems, and sports injuries caused by biomechanical issues.

Custom orthotics are prescribed based on biomechanical assessment and manufactured to your exact foot shape and needs. Shop-bought insoles are generic, mass-produced and not tailored to your biomechanics. Custom orthotics use medical-grade materials, last 2–5 years, control specific biomechanical faults (overpronation, supination) and are clinically proven to treat foot and lower limb pain. Over-the-counter insoles offer basic cushioning but don't address the root cause of pain.

Custom orthotics typically last 2–5 years depending on your activity level, weight, footwear and how often you wear them. Athletes and runners may need replacement sooner (18–24 months) due to higher wear. We recommend annual reviews to check orthotic condition and function. The top cover (fabric layer) may wear out before the shell — we can replace top covers to extend orthotic life.

Custom orthotics control and support flat feet and overpronation — they don't 'cure' or permanently change your foot structure, but they prevent the pain and injuries caused by excessive pronation. When you wear orthotics, your feet are held in a more neutral, biomechanically efficient position — reducing stress on your plantar fascia, Achilles, knees and hips. If you stop wearing orthotics, your feet will return to their natural position.

Not necessarily. Some patients wear orthotics long-term (especially if they have severe overpronation, flat feet, arthritis or recurring injuries). Others wear them temporarily while they strengthen their feet, improve their gait and resolve acute pain — then transition to supportive footwear or minimalist orthotics. Your podiatrist will advise based on your biomechanics and goals.

Most people adapt to orthotics within 1–2 weeks. We recommend a gradual break-in — starting with 1–2 hours per day and increasing wear time by 1 hour every few days. Some temporary discomfort (arch ache, calf tightness, mild heel soreness) is normal as your feet, muscles and joints adapt to the new alignment. If pain persists beyond 2 weeks, contact us for an adjustment.

You can wear orthotics in most closed-toe shoes — trainers, walking shoes, work boots, casual shoes. Shoes need adequate depth, a removable insole and a stable heel counter. Orthotics won't fit in very tight dress shoes, high heels, ballet flats or sandals. We can prescribe thinner 'dress orthotics' or sport-specific orthotics if needed.

Some patients notice immediate pain relief — especially if their pain is caused by severe overpronation or pressure overload. Others need 2–4 weeks of wear for their muscles, tendons and joints to adapt before they feel significant improvement. Orthotics work best when combined with strengthening, stretching and appropriate footwear.

Almost always both feet. Even if only one foot hurts, both feet usually have the same biomechanical fault (overpronation, flat arches, etc.). Wearing an orthotic in only one shoe creates asymmetry, leg length discrepancy and compensatory stress — often making pain worse. We prescribe orthotics for both feet unless there's a specific clinical reason not to.

Yes. Children with flat feet, in-toeing, toe-walking, growing pains (Sever's disease, Osgood-Schlatter disease), hypermobility or sports injuries often benefit from custom orthotics. Children's feet grow quickly, so orthotics may need replacing every 12–18 months.

Our clinic is in Arnold, Nottingham. We prescribe and fit custom orthotics for patients across Nottinghamshire including Gedling, Carlton, Mapperley, Woodthorpe, Ravenshead, Hucknall, Daybrook, Bestwood, Calverton, Lambley, Burton Joyce, West Bridgford, Beeston, Bingham, Radcliffe-on-Trent, Mansfield, Newark, Retford, Worksop and surrounding areas.