Orthotics - Initial wear advice for new orthoses

Dear Parent / Carer

We have provided ______________________________________________
with ___________________________________________________________     

We advise that the orthosis/orthoses should be “bedded in” at home in accordance with the information provided below.

Footwear

The initial wear period should be 40 - 60 minutes, after which footwear and socks should be removed and the feet checked for marking. Any marks which disappear within 15 - 20 minutes are acceptable.

After approximately 1 hour the footwear should be reapplied, again for a period of 40 - 60 minutes and the checking procedure repeated.

This process should be repeated daily, increasing the wear time by approximately 20 - 30 minutes each day until the footwear is worn for 3 hours. When this is achieved, normal use can begin.

Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)

The initial wear period should be 30 - 40 minutes after which the AFO(s) and socks should be removed and the feet checked for marking. Any marks which disappear within 15 - 20 minutes are acceptable.

After approximately 1 hour, the AFO(s) should be reapplied, again for 30 - 40 minutes and the checking procedure repeated.
 
This process should be repeated daily, increasing the wear time by approximately 20 minutes each day until the AFO(s) can be worn for 3 hours. When this is achieved, normal use can begin.

Functional Foot Orthoses (FFO)

The initial wear period should be 40 - 60 minutes after which the FFOs and socks should be removed and the feet checked for marking. Any marks which disappear within 15 - 20 minutes are acceptable.

After approximately 1 hour the FFOs should be reapplied again for 40 - 60 minutes and the checking procedure repeated.

This process should be repeated daily, increasing the wear time by approximately 20 - 30 minutes each day until the FFOs can be worn for 2 hours. When this is achieved, normal use can begin.

Should you have any queries regarding this information or if your child experiences difficulties with wearing their orthosis e.g. marks which do not disappear after 15 - 20 minutes, please contact the Orthotics Department on the following telephone numbers:

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

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

For further information about our service, please visit:

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