Orthotic fine tuning assessment

Orthotic assessment can help us understand if insoles or splints may improve the way you walk (your gait).

Why have I been referred for an orthotic fine tuning assessment?

You have been referred because your doctor or therapist feels you may need insoles or splints (also known as orthoses) or we may be able to improve the way your orthoses help you to walk.

What is orthotic fine tuning?

Orthotic fine tuning helps to see if you need any small changes to make the orthoses work better.

Who is involved in the assessment?

You will meet a physiotherapist, a clinical engineer and an orthotist conducting the assessment.

What is involved in the assessment?

You will be asked to walk with your orthosis and in your bare feet along a walkway. We will record your movement on the computer. This lets us look at your movement in slow motion.

We may then make some changes to your orthoses and then we will watch you walk again. It is very helpful if you can tell us how it feels with each set up.

What should I wear?

Because we need to see how your whole body moves, as an orthosis on your foot can affect the movement at your hips, you will need to wear shorts. If you have a problem with clothing please phoneus before your appointment to discuss it.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your usual shows and orthoses with you. Please also bring older orthoses with you. You need to bring any walking aids you use, for example walkers, splints (with appropriate shoes).

Orthoses - insoles, walkers or splints — Orthoses – insoles, walkers or splints

How long does the assessment take?

The full assessment will take about one hour but you will only be walking for about 20 minutes. You can have a rest whenever you need one.

What happens next?

If we decide you will walk better with changes to your orthoses they will need to go back to your orthotist who will make changes. We will write to the orthotist explaining what to do.

Confidentiality

You will be asked to sign a consent form allowing the data and video to be recorded – this will be explained when you arrive. All data and video we take will only be seen by staff in the gait analysis unit unless you consent to other people seeing it.