Orthotics - Footwear adaptations for children

Introduction

This leaflet is for parents and carers of children who have been provided with adapted footwear by the Orthotics service. It will explain how to care for the footwear and other important information about the Orthotics service.

We hope you find this information useful.

If you require further information or you are unable to attend an appointment, please telephone the Orthotics department where the appointment has been made as soon as possible:

Bury, Rochdale or Oldham: 0161 778 2670
Email: nca.orthotics@nca.nhs.uk

Salford: 0161 206 4912
Email: salford.orthotics@nca.nhs.uk

For further information about our service, please visit:

www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/our-services/orthotics

Our sites are open for collection and dropping off devices:

Bury: Tuesdays only
Rochdale: Thursdays only
Oldham: Mondays only
Salford: Monday - Friday

What is a footwear adaptation?

The adaptations to your child’s footwear has been prescribed to provide control and support to your child’s feet and lower limbs or alter the way in which they walk.

If you notice any changes in your child’s foot or medical condition or if you feel that the footwear provides inadequate control you must let the Orthotics department know immediately.

What kind of footwear can be adapted?

In order for footwear to be adapted it must be of a solid construction as the sole will need to be split from the upper to accommodate the adaptation and then rejoined. The style of the shoe is also important as it is unsafe to adapt shoes with a thin heel or flimsy upper such as sandals or shoes with a t-bar.

We will not be able to adapt any shoes that are not of the correct construction or those we deem unsafe to adapt.

What is my child’s entitlement?

We will adapt one pair of shoes/boots. Further adaptations will be made to one pair of shoes each time the size/fit changes.

We will repair the adapted part of the footwear. Regular repair maintains the effectiveness of the adaptations and prolongs the life of the footwear.

Repair of footwear

When the adaptation needs repairing please bring the footwear to the Orthotics department and, providing the footwear has been looked after we will repair it. Please note for Health and Safety reasons footwear will only be accepted for repair if it is in a clean and dry condition.

Theft, loss or damage to your child’s footwear

If your child’s footwear is stolen you will need to obtain a crime number from the police before we are able to adapt a further pair of shoes.

If the adapted footwear is lost or damaged (either accidentally or maliciously) you will be asked to pay for adaptations to replacement footwear. The average cost of paediatric footwear adaptation is £60.

How can I ensure my child’s adaptation is effective?

• Ensure that the shoes are fastened securely
• Ensure that the shoes are repaired regularly

How should I care for my child’s footwear?

• Clean footwear regularly with shoe polish for leather and a brush for suede or nubuck
• Allow to dry naturally, away from direct heat sources such as the radiator
• Look after the adapted shoes and return them for repair when necessary

What problems should I be aware of?

If you notice any of the following, please contact the Orthotics department as soon as possible.

• If your child complains of any continued additional discomfort or instability as a result of the adaptations
• Any damage to the footwear adaptation

Further appointments

Following the supply of your child’s first pair of adapted footwear they will be reviewed at the discretion of the Orthotist. However, if you feel your child’s condition has not improved, has worsened or they are experiencing problems with the footwear you can ask to see the Orthotist before your planned review appointment by telephoning the Orthotics department where you had your original appointment.