NHS Insoles going downhill?

[reg01]

Have had RA/JIA whatever for 50 years, now 62years old.

Anyone having trouble getting insoles, NHS and gone to a private company?

I live in North Devon and the nearest I can find is in Bristol an hour and a half plus drive from here.

Have severe deformities of all toes and ankles and my metatarsals are filled with nodules and very little fat.

Using a pair that are about ten years old because they are better than the three attempts this year.

They just don’t seem to get it. I see a podiatrist monthly but that is just the tip of the toeberg.

[bpeal1]

I’ve not had any problems getting insoles, have had a few pairs in the last 5 years. However, the quality is not as good as previously. I used to get carbon fibre ones on the NHS but the last couple of pairs have been plastic. They still work just as well but are slightly heavier (although I’ve not noticed any difference when wearing them) and they seem to wear out quicker.

[medway-lady]

My husband doesn’t have RA but a heel issue gets one off the NHS and then orders more privately from same company. Footlabs. Made in leather and can choose colour so no need to swap into different shoes. It just made sense and not expensive either.

[welsh12]

Just been to podiatry told to buy them buyself and various other things including expensive shoes... he did put some kind of arch support in my shoes.

[cyberbarn]

Both my son and myself have feet problems. My son has had some amazing NHS podiatry and orthotics, but I haven't been so lucky.

I had been getting insoles through my podiatric surgeon, and they were really good, but the last pair I got weren't nearly as nice, harsher on my feet. He apologised and said he wasn't allowed to give me the more expensive ones anymore.

I can buy them myself online, but sadly as a private buyer I have to pay roughly twice what it would cost for a health care professional to buy the exact same item.

So yes, I agree, things have gone downhill.

On the other hand my son sees a podiatrist and a orthotist on the NHS and gets really good bespoke insoles and orthopaedic boots.

So you see a private podiatrist as well? If you can see an NHS podiatrist they should either provide insoles themselves or you should be referred to an NHS orthotist. If that isn't happening, can you go to PALS and ask them to sort something out?

[medway-lady in reply to cyberbarn]

Can you ring the company and check this as my husbands made for NHS are plastic the same company makes privately in leather. His raise his heel, and they use the NHS Prescription. So last a lot longer. Just a thought as it might be why more expensive as better quality and value.

[cyberbarn in reply to medway-lady]

My insoles are from Vasyli which is a multinational who sells through distributors only. The UK distributor only sells to health care professionals.

So going straight to the company won't necessarily work for all orthotics.

And you are lucky you can get an NHS prescription like that. I tried to do that for my son when he was younger and the NHS flatly refused to write a prescription for orthotics for him.

[reg01 in reply to cyberbarn]

Tes I’ve been getting NHS podiatry once a month for maybe 20 years. They’re fantastic. My feet need very special insoles and aince covid and moving house have had 3 pairs made of various disaster. Been today and (lol) put my foot down with hopefully a good result. Prefer not to go through PALS as I owe the NHS big time. Fingers crossed 🌞

[Akaka]

Hi, I am in South Devon and have seen the rheumatoid podiatrist who has prescribed and supplied various inner soles. I’ve also heard of a place in Newton Abbot that also makes custom ones at a reasonable price apparently he is an ex hospital podiatrist, it might be a bit closer than Bristol for you?

[reg01 in reply to Akaka]

Thanks for the Newton Abbot tip! 🌞

[Akaka in reply to reg01]

Hi, it’s called Total Foot Care, I just asked a friend who was referred there for inner soles - good luck, there is a website.

[reg01 in reply to Akaka]

Thanks Akaka!!!

[RAat13]

My NHS has been great and never had any issues. However, I have a new lady that does them, she's lovely too and actually found that I have one leg slightly shorter than other(which others never checked) and that's why my right foot is worse as its taken most of the pressure so had to have another set made. My hip pain and pressure on my foot has been so much better, now if I don't wear them my hip hurts. I wonder if you can ask to be referred to someone else if having no luck with your current orthotist? There's a place called North Devon Orthotics, they scan your feet and do a 3D print insole.. have you tried this?

[reg01 in reply to RAat13]

Not yet but thanks for the tip. Can’t afford private at the mo but will bear in my mind!! 🌞

[Retirednhs]

Hello, l have insoles from the orthotics dept of my hospital in South Devon, we are allowed 1 pair a year free but can buy extras if we want l am just having a new pair so as it is 3 yrs since l was last seen for the fitting and l have been invited to have my feet rechecked post surgery to ensure good fitting . I would be surprised if your own hospital does not have a similar programme for their orthotics dept l have in my life as a specialist nurse Practitioner met with patients from different areas who do the same as l do. A telephone call to check the hospital help desk or your mobile Google should give you the info you need for your area. GOOD LUCK