Orthotics is a service that provides items such as prescription shoes and insoles, callipers, splints, knee, and wrist braces and back and ankle support, to help patients recover from or avoid injury, or better live with lifelong conditions. 

There may be other items that are required in addition to the above. 

You will be assessed by an orthotist, who will decide what device(s) you will need. Some devices can be supplied and fitted there and then, others may need to be ordered in.

If you require custom made footwear, you will have a minimum of two further appointments for sizing and fitting over a period of two to three months to make sure the footwear meets your needs.

Some patients may require long term support for their conditions(s) and will remain under our care without the need for further referral.

More information

Patients can be referred to Orthotics by their GP or from departments within the hospital such as Physiotherapy, Orthopaedics or Rheumatology.

Alder Hey Children’s Hospital can transfer patients to our care, as young as 16. Patients with complex needs will remain at Alder Hey until the age of 18.

Ground Floor, Diagnostic and Treatment Centre.

If you are assessed as needing custom footwear, you will be supplied with two pairs.

We will repair footwear when needed and replace if further repairs are not possible.

If your job requires safety footwear, such as boots with metal toe caps, we can also supply this in addition to your two pairs of custom shoes.

Safety footwear will come at a cost, but this should be covered by your employer as a legal obligation. We will send a letter to your employer explaining the process and costs.

You can be referred for wigs by departments within the hospital, such as Dermatology and Rheumatology, if you have long term hair loss due to a medical condition, or treatment for a condition.

You may be required to pay a prescription charge for a wig unless you are exempt. To find out if you are entitled to a free wig, please visit the national NHS website.

You will either be given two acrylic wigs or two real hair wigs. Real hair wigs will only be supplied if there is a diagnosed allergy to acrylic.

Acrylic wigs are replaced each year and real hair wigs are replaced every three years.