Living with foot, ankle, knee, or back pain can affect your mobility, your comfort, and your quality of life. Orthotics, also known as orthoses, are externally applied supportive devices designed to realign the body, reduce pain, and improve mobility. They range from custom orthotic insoles and ankle braces to knee supports and spinal orthoses.
Unlike over-the-counter insoles, the orthoses provided at Ramsay Health Care are custom-made following a thorough clinical assessment by a qualified orthotist. This ensures your device is tailored precisely to your body, your biomechanics, and your individual treatment goals.
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What is orthotics?
Orthotics is the branch of healthcare that assists with the assessment, design, fitting, and supply of orthoses. In plain terms, the meaning of orthotics covers both the clinical practice and, commonly, the supportive devices themselves.
The terminology can sometimes be confusing, so here is a quick guide:
- Orthotics refers to the overall medical speciality and is also commonly used to describe the supportive devices, too.
- Orthosis is the clinic term for a single supportive device.
- Orthoses is the plural – two or more supportive devices.
- An orthotist is a specialist clinician trained to assess patients and prescribe the appropriate orthotic device.
Orthoses range from simple custom orthotic insoles that fit inside your shoes to more complex ankle braces, knee supports, and spinal orthoses to manage a wide range of conditions. Depending on what is being treated, an orthosis may help reduce pain, improve stability, correct alignment, prevent injury progression, or support mobility.
Conditions that can be treated with orthotics
Custom orthotics can help manage a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and long-term health conditions. Some of the most common include:
Foot and ankle conditions
- Plantar fasciitis: Orthotic insoles can help offload pressure from the inflamed plantar fascia, reducing heel pain and improving walking comfort.
- Flat feet (pes planus): Arch-supporting orthoses help realign the foot, improving gait and reducing pain in the feet, ankles, hips, and lower back.
- Bunions: Orthotic insoles and foot supports can reduce pressure on the affected toe joint, improve foot alignment, relieve discomfort, and slow the progression of the condition.
Musculoskeletal and joint conditions
- Knee ligament injuries and patella problems: Knee braces and custom orthoses can stabilise the knee joint, support healing, and reduce pain during movement.
- Arthritis: People with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from supportive orthoses that improve joint positioning, reduce pressure, and ease discomfort.
- Sports injuries: Custom orthotics can support recovery from a range of sports injuries, including shin splints, iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome, and Achilles tendinopathy, by improving lower limb biomechanics.
- Back and postural pain: Spinal and lower limb orthoses can help correct biomechanical imbalances that contribute to chronic back pain and poor posture.
Neurological and long-term health conditions
- Neurological conditions: People living with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), spina bifida, or those recovering from a stroke may benefit from orthoses, such as ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) or knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) to improve stability and mobility.
- Diabetes-related foot problems: Diabetic neuropathy can cause loss of sensation in the feet, increasing the risk of ulcers and injury. Custom orthotics and specialist footwear help protect vulnerable areas.
Types of orthotics available at Ramsay Health Care
Custom orthotics can include a range of supportive devices designed for different areas of the body. At Ramsay, we provide orthoses across three broad categories:
Foot orthoses (FOs): Custom orthotic insoles
Foot orthoses are supportive insoles or footbeds worn inside your shoes to improve foot alignment and reduce strain on the joints and soft tissues. They are commonly used to help manage conditions such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and leg length discrepancies.
Custom orthotic insoles are generally more effective than prefabricated, shop-bought alternatives. Over-the-counter insoles are mass-produced to provide general support, whereas custom orthotics are individually made following a clinical assessment and moulded or cast to match your specific foot shape. This allows for more accurate correction, better pressure redistribution, and greater long-term comfort.
Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs)
Ankle-foot orthoses extend from below the knee down to the foot and ankle. They are most commonly used to manage foot drop — a condition affecting the ability to lift the front of the foot — and to support people living with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, and those recovering from a stroke.
AFOs are available in several forms, including rigid, hinged, dynamic, and silicone designs. The most appropriate type will depend on your condition, muscle strength, mobility requirements, and overall treatment goals.
Knee, hip, & spinal orthoses
Knee orthoses are commonly prescribed to support ligament injuries, knee arthritis, and post-surgical recovery, helping to stabilise the joint and reduce strain during movement.
For patients with significant lower limb weakness or instability, knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) provide additional support across the knee, ankle, and foot.
Spinal orthoses and back braces may be recommended for conditions such as scoliosis, chronic back pain, or postural instability, helping to support spinal alignment and reduce daily discomfort.
Your orthotics assessment at Ramsay
When you come to Ramsay for an orthotics assessment, our expert orthotists will carry out a thorough evaluation to understand your symptoms, identify the underlying cause, and recommend the most appropriate treatment. While individual assessments vary, you can typically expect the following:
1. Initial consultation
Your first appointment will usually involve a detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and any previous diagnosis or treatments. Your orthotist will also explore your lifestyle, daily activities, and treatment goals to build a full picture of how your condition affects you.
2. Static biomechanical assessment
Your orthotist will carry out a physical assessment, usually both seated and standing, to examine your joint positioning, posture, muscle strength, and limb alignment in both non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing positions.
3. Dynamic assessment
You will also be observed while walking or performing specific movements so the orthotist can assess your gait and movement patterns. In some cases, gait analysis technology, such as pressure plates or video assessment, may be used to provide further insight into how your body moves.
4. Personalised treatment plan
Following your assessment, your orthotist will explain their findings and recommend the most appropriate treatment. If a custom device is needed, measurements, moulds or casts will be taken to create an orthosis tailored to your body and condition.
5. Fitting appointment
Once your orthosis has been made, you will attend a fitting appointment to ensure it fits correctly and functions as intended. Fittings typically take between one and two hours, depending on the complexity of the device. Follow-up appointments can be arranged if adjustments are needed.
Please note that in most cases, you can book a private orthotics appointment at Ramsay directly, without a GP or consultant referral. However, if you plan to use private health insurance to fund your treatment, your insurer may require a referral, so it’s worth checking your policy before booking.
Why choose private orthotics care?
Going private for your orthotics treatment offers you a variety of advantages, including:
- Enhanced privacy and dignity – Your own private room during consultations and appointments, giving you the comfort and discretion you need when discussing your treatment.
- Faster access to specialist care - See an expert quickly, without lengthy waiting times.
- Continuity of care - You’ll typically see the same Ramsay consultant throughout your treatment journey, helping deliver a more personalised and consistent approach to your care.
- Flexible appointments – Consultations are arranged at times that work around your schedule, including evenings and weekends at some locations.
The cost of orthotics care at Ramsay
The cost of orthotics treatment at Ramsay Health Care varies depending on the type of orthosis required and the complexity of your case. After your initial consultation, we will provide a personalised quote valid for up to 60 days.
We offer a range of payment options to help you access the care you need:
- 0% Payment Plans: Spread the cost of your orthotics treatment with monthly payments over a time period that suits you.
- Self-fund treatment: Our all-inclusive Total Care package covers all your treatment for a single up-front payment agreed in advance.
- Private medical insurance: Your insurer may cover orthotics treatment. We recommend obtaining written confirmation from your insurance provider before booking your appointment.
For a personalised quote or to discuss payment options in more detail, please contact our friendly team.
Orthotics treatment at Ramsay Health Care
At Ramsay Health Care, our specialist orthotists provide expert, patient-focused care across multiple hospital locations in the UK. Whether you need custom orthotic insoles, an ankle brace, or a more complex orthosis, we will ensure your treatment is tailored to your individual needs and biomechanics.
Our orthotists work alongside on-site physiotherapists and orthopaedic consultants, ensuring a joined-up approach to your care from assessment through to recovery.
Your Ramsay experience includes:
- Convenient locations across the UK, many with on-site parking. Find your nearest hospital.
- State-of-the-art facilities with access to the latest diagnostic and gait analysis technology.
- Comprehensive care and follow-up to monitor your progress and make any adjustments to your orthosis.
- Dedicated patient support with a friendly specialist team guiding you at every stage of your treatment.
Contact us today to speak with one of our friendly advisors and book your consultation.
Orthotics FAQs
