Orthotics - Footwear for children

Introduction

This leaflet is for parents and carers of children who have been provided with 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 does the footwear do?

The footwear your child has been supplied with has been prescribed by the Orthotist for their specific foot condition. They are designed to maximise comfort, control and support. 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 is my child’s entitlement?

Your child is entitled to one pair of footwear. As children’s feet are still growing and likely to change shape we will only issue one pair at a time. Your child will be given a second pair after inspection of the original footwear by the Orthotist and for the following reasons:

• If the original footwear is deemed to be clinically ineffective by the Orthotist
• If the original footwear is beyond repair

We do not provide sandals or slippers as these do not meet clinical requirements.
When the footwear needs repairing bring it to the Orthotics department and, providing the footwear has been looked after we will repair it.

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 order a replacement.

If the footwear is lost or damaged (either accidentally or maliciously) you will be asked to pay for its replacement. The average cost of replacement of paediatric footwear is £120.

How should my child wear their shoes?

• Allow them time to get used to the footwear, as per the Orthotists instructions
• Wash your child’s feet daily and ensure they wear the footwear with clean socks
• Ensure the footwear is fastened securely
• Always check inside your child’s footwear before putting on to ensure that nothing has fallen inside

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
• Return the footwear 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.

• Skin redness that doesn’t fade after 15 minutes
• Sores or blisters on your child’s skin
• Pain, irritation or rubbing
• Any complaints of discomfort after the child has been wearing footwear comfortably may mean the footwear has been outgrown

Further appointments

Following the supply of your child’s first pair of footwear they will be reviewed at the discretion of the orthotist. If your child is placed on open review it will be the parent/carers responsibility to arrange further review appointments to check for growth.

However, if your child is experiencing problems with their shoes, you can ask to see the Orthotist for a review by telephoning the Orthotic department where you had your original appointment.