Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Treatment for adolescent pectus carinatum patients typically takes anywhere from six months to two years to complete.

Wearing the brace consistently leads to better results. The more committed you are to following the prescribed wearing routine, the more effective the treatment will be.

Yes, mild bruising is nothing to worry about and can differ from patient to patient. Usually, it’s a good sign as it indicates that you have been committed to wearing the brace and that you are applying sufficient pressure to remodel your chest shape. Your clinician will keep an eye on this throughout treatment and will be able to tell you if your brace is too tight.
If you notice significant bruising or skin irritation, consult your clinician, as it may mean the brace is too tight and needs adjustment by your orthotist.

The main difference is in how they’re made and how precise they can be:
• 3D-printed insoles: These are made using advanced scanning and printing technology. We take a 3D scan of your feet to capture every detail, including the contours, pressure points, and alignment. The insoles are then printed layer by layer to fit your feet perfectly. This process means they’re incredibly accurate and designed specifically for you, which makes them great for treating certain conditions and providing maximum comfort.
• Traditionally made insoles: These are usually created using hand-moulding techniques or foam impressions of your feet. While they can be customised to a certain extent, they do not offer the same level of precision or tailoring as 3D-printed insoles.

Proprioceptive insoles are designed to stimulate nerve clusters in the feet, improving balance and coordination. These are particularly helpful for patients with neurological conditions. If you think proprioceptive insoles might be right for you, we’d be happy to discuss this option further.

If insoles aren’t properly prescribed, they can make symptoms worse or cause new issues. That’s why it’s so important to see a qualified orthotist and attend follow-up appointments to ensure the insoles are working as they should.

Yes, we do. We usually start treating children from around two years old if they’re experiencing pain or other symptoms. For adolescents going through growth spurts, insoles can help manage stress on their feet during this time.

Yes! We’ve created insoles for high heels before, though it can be a bit tricky with very fitted shoes. If you need insoles for a particular type of shoe, let us know during your assessment.

Insoles can be designed to fit most types of shoes, but we’ll usually focus on the pair you wear most often. Shoes like trainers and walking boots are easier to accommodate, while dress shoes or high heels may require more specific adjustments.

It depends on your symptoms. If your pain only occurs during certain activities, you might only need them then. But for most people, we recommend wearing them as much as possible—at least 70% of the time to get the best results. During your consultation, we’ll discuss which shoes are best for your insoles.

Not usually. However, adjustments might be needed during the initial weeks to ensure they’re effective and comfortable. That’s why we review all patients six weeks after their fitting. If you have any issues before then, you’re welcome to get in touch.

Typically, about three years. However, this can vary depending on your activity level, the materials used, and how often you wear them. If your symptoms change or the insoles show signs of wear, it may be time to replace them.

Yes, they could. Foot problems like plantar fasciitis, bunions, or poor alignment can affect your posture and lead to back pain. By improving the alignment of your feet, bespoke insoles can often help reduce discomfort in your back, hips, and knees. A biomechanical assessment will help us determine if insoles are right for you.

It depends on your needs, but we can often make them the same day—or as quickly as the next day. We also offer an express service that takes just two hours, with late evening appointments available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays until 7 pm.

While we can’t stop bunions from forming (since they’re partly genetic), insoles can help slow their progression. By supporting the arch of your foot, we can reduce the inward rolling (overpronation) that contributes to bunion development.

Most insoles are made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), a type of plastic that can vary in density to provide the right mix of support and cushioning. For more supportive designs, we might use carbon fibre, though this material is less adaptable once shaped. During your consultation, we’ll discuss the best materials for your needs.

Insoles from running shops are often mass-produced with minimal customisation. They’re designed to fit a general foot shape and provide basic cushioning. At LOC, we take a different approach. Using advanced 3D scanning, we create insoles that match the exact shape of your feet, ensuring they’re as effective as possible.

Off-the-shelf insoles can work in some cases, especially if your main need is extra cushioning. But bespoke insoles offer a higher level of support tailored to your specific needs. If you’ve tried generic insoles and still have pain or limited mobility, customised insoles could make all the difference.

It’s true that no treatment—whether it’s insoles or surgery—works 100% of the time. But there’s strong scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of bespoke orthotics. Over the years, we’ve helped countless patients improve their symptoms with our custom-made insoles.

The key difference? Our insoles are tailored to you. Unlike off-the-shelf options, we use advanced 3D scanning technology to create insoles that match your feet perfectly. Plus, everything is done onsite, from design to manufacturing, so we can ensure the highest quality and the best fit for your needs.

If you’re experiencing pain in your feet, ankles, hips, or lower back—especially if it’s ongoing or developed later in life—you might benefit from bespoke orthotic insoles. They’re a great non-invasive treatment option, particularly if other methods like rest, icing, compression, and elevation haven’t worked.

A biomechanical assessment can help us determine if insoles could help. We’ll only recommend insoles if they’re the right solution for you. For instance, some conditions, like iliotibial band syndrome, are better treated with physiotherapy and stretching rather than insoles.

Insoles are specially designed orthotic devices that fit inside your shoes to support your feet. They’re often made of materials like plastic and can help with shock absorption, distributing your body weight more evenly, and addressing biomechanical issues in your feet or ankles. Essentially, they’re there to make walking, running, or standing more comfortable and efficient.

If untreated, club foot can lead to significant mobility issues, pain, and difficulty walking. Early treatment helps to avoid these complications.

While the risk of recurrence exists, following the recommended treatment plan, including bracing, significantly reduces this risk. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor for any signs of recurrence.

Yes, many adults living with untreated club foot can benefit from orthotic treatments. Visit our page on adult club foot treatment for more information.

We offer fittings at our clinics in Kingston-upon-Thames and Bristol, with follow-ups available in Manchester. Initial fittings are conducted in person, but many follow-up appointments can be virtual.