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Multiple sclerosis (MS) bespoke orthotics
Improve your mobility, reduce fatigue and manage symptoms of MS with bespoke orthoticsBespoke orthotics can provide significant benefits for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) by improving mobility, stability, and overall quality of life.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition where the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath around nerves in the central nervous system. This disrupts nerve signals, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, balance difficulties, and fatigue, all of which can impact mobility.
Patient success story
Para snowboarder Nina's bespoke Neuro Swing AFO experience
Para snowboarder, Nina Sparks, discusses her experience of having bespoke orthotics fitted to help manage her multiple sclerosis (MS) related drop foot and to support her snowboarding ambitions.
“First, I had an assessment of my leg and ankle function followed by a session in the London Orthotic Consultancy’s Gait Lab. This highlighted a few issues I have, one of which is drop foot and the other is that my leg isn’t straightening properly so my foot isn’t flat on the floor when I walk or stand.”
Nina was fitted with her carbon fibre Neuro Swing AFO in August. It has a hinge on it so Nina’s ankle is more flexed, and it can fit in her snowboarding boot while correcting her walking pattern during day to day activities.
“The AFO fitted perfectly straight away and immediately I could feel it working, pushing against my calf to flex my ankle in my boot, something which hasn’t happened for over a year!”
When might orthotics be needed?
Orthotic support can help with specific conditions like:
- Drop foot: difficulty lifting the foot, leading to tripping and inefficient gait
- knee instability: weakness or spasticity causing knee buckling or hyperextension
- fatigue and energy conservation: reduced endurance due to inefficient movement patterns
- balance difficulties: poor postural control increasing fall risk
How orthotics can help multiple sclerosis symptoms
Bespoke orthotics can provide significant benefits for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Helping to manage symptoms, increase independence and improve your overall quality of life.
Custom orthotic solutions can help address specific challenges associated with MS, including muscle weakness, drop foot, balance issues and joint instability.
In the short-term, bespoke orthotics for MS can:
- improve your mobility and walking pattern
- improve your balance and stability
- reduce pain and aches
- reduce fatigue
In the long-term, they can:
- prevent further postural issues from developing
- prevent damage to the joints
Nina's bespoke Neuro Swing AFO helps with her MS-related drop foot
The importance of a detailed orthotic assessment
MS symptoms vary significantly between individuals and can change over time. A thorough assessment with an experienced orthotist ensures that your prescription is tailored to your specific functional needs, progression, and lifestyle requirements.
Bespoke orthotics designed with gait lab analysis
Achieve your mobility goals with pioneering lower-limb orthotics-
100% tailored to your needs and lifestyle
Every orthosis we create is designed specifically for you. From materials and lining to function and fit, we ensure that each device works seamlessly with your footwear and daily activities.
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Highly accurate gait analysis optimises function
Using state-of-the-art gait analysis, we assess how you move to create orthotics that truly support your unique biomechanics. This allows us to fine-tune your device for maximum efficiency. Whether it’s improving balance, reducing strain, or enhancing performance.
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Designed using advanced 3D scanning
Our advanced 3D scanning technology replaces traditional plaster casting, making the process faster, easier, more accurate and more comfortable for patients while ensuring highly precise measurements.
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Built with cutting-edge orthotic technology
We incorporate the latest innovations in orthotic design, from dynamic support systems to advanced joint mechanisms that enhance mobility, improve alignment, and optimise rehabilitation outcomes. These technologies allow for better adaptability, supporting natural movement and long-term comfort.
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In-house manufacturing facilities
We manufacture the majority of our orthotics in-house at our workshop in Kingston, ensuring exceptional quality control at every stage. This hands-on approach allows us to fine-tune each orthosis to the patient’s unique needs, make adjustments quickly, and maintain the highest standards of craftsmanship.
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Tailored footwear advice
Orthotics can only work as well as the shoes they go into. That’s why footwear is never an afterthought in our process, it’s a key part of every assessment. We always look at your current footwear and provide tailored advice to ensure you’re getting the most out of your orthotics.
The best way to find out which orthosis is right for you or your child is to book an appointment with one of our experienced clinicians.
Below, you’ll find some of the more common types of orthotics we make and fit for MS.
Bespoke orthotic insoles
Bespoke insoles are custom-designed orthotic devices tailored specifically to your feet to address individual foot shape, biomechanics, and any existing conditions.
Unlike over-the-counter insoles, bespoke insoles are created after a thorough biomechanics assessment using accurate scanning technology and clinical evaluation. This ensures you get a precise fit and effective treatment tailored to your specific goals. They provide a non-invasive solution for a range of foot and posture-related issues, offering comfort, support, and improved mobility.
Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)
An Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) is a brace designed to support and control the position and movement of the ankle and foot. AFOs can also immobilise the ankle and lower leg to aid in rehabilitation and correct specific issues. They are the most well-known and frequently prescribed orthotic devices due to their versatility and effectiveness.
What sets our AFOs apart is the level of precision and customisation we bring to their design and tuning. Each orthosis we make is 100% bespoke. Depending on the patient’s needs, we can create AFOs with a fixed ankle for greater control of gait mechanics or incorporate a hinged design to allow controlled movement in a single plane.
A critical part of our process is the fine-tuning of each bespoke orthotic to ensure optimal alignment and comfort. We use state-of-the-art gait analysis technology as standard to help us assess, prescribe and fine-tune all our orthotics.
By prioritising this approach, we deliver AFOs that not only meet, but exceed, expectations for functionality and comfort.
The Neuro Swing Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO)
The Neuro Swing system is an adjustable, dynamic ankle joint system designed to improve gait, stability, and rehabilitation. We commonly integrate them into carbon fibre Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs).
Unlike traditional fixed AFOs, this system allows some natural movement if the patient retains some muscle activity. The system allows tweaks and adjustments for different ankle alignments, allowing us to optimise for comfort and individualise adjustments based on your specific needs.
All this allows a more natural gait pattern, protecting bones and joints from abnormal stress. Not only does this benefit your ability to walk in the short-term, it also protects the bones and joints and encourage your muscles to work correctly.
Bespoke carbon fibre orthotics
Bespoke carbon fibre orthotics represent a groundbreaking advancement in mobility solutions and offer several advantages over traditional plastic orthotics, making them a superior choice for many patients, particularly adults. Carbon fibre offers unparalleled strength and durability, while remaining incredibly lightweight.
By reducing bulk and energy expenditure, users can walk further, faster, and with greater comfort. They’re also slimmer than traditional plastic orthotics, making them easier to fit inside regular shoes.
Plus, carbon fibre offers excellent energy return, helping with push-off during walking, improving efficiency and reducing effort. This can help patients walk faster and with less fatigue, especially beneficial for active users.
Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO)
A Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO) is a custom-made brace that supports the entire leg, spanning the knee, ankle, and foot. KAFOs are primarily prescribed for individuals with muscle-weakening conditions or paralysis caused by conditions like post-polio syndrome, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), stroke and spinal cord injury.
KAFOs help by:
- preventing excessive joint movement
- reducing joint pain
- controlling unstable joints
- improving alignment
Our bespoke KAFO service ensures every device is tailored to your specific needs and preferences, guided by our team’s expertise and the latest orthotic advancements.
We offer cutting-edge options that go beyond traditional fixed KAFOs with locking knee joints. While fixed systems provide stability, they can contribute to muscle atrophy, increased energy expenditure, and an unnatural gait.
To address these challenges, we provide modern, innovative solutions. For example, KAFOs that automatically lock and unlock at the appropriate points in the gait cycle, promoting a more natural and energy-efficient walk.
Patient Stories
View all patient stories-
- Treatment: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease treatment
- Age: Adult
- Orthotist: Jack Choong
- Travelled from: United KIngdom
"[From the first consultation] is quite simply when you see the difference. Yes, you are paying for it, but my first appointment was two hours long! It was incredibly thorough, and I was put through my paces in the gait lab."View patient story -
- Patient name: Rob
- Treatment: Drop foot treatment
- Travelled from: United Kingdom
“Yesterday, for the first time in 3 years, I could actually leave the house and go for a walk. Totally amazing.”View patient story -
- Patient name: John
- Treatment: Drop foot treatment
- Age: 50+
- Orthotist: Connor Mumford
- Travelled from: United Kingdom
"I'm eager to share the videos of my walking in the Gait Lab with the consultant who gave me the rather bleak options; there is another way!”View patient story