The Foot Orthotics Laboratory was established by Paul Harradine as the in-house provider for The Podiatry and Chiropody Centre in 2004. Since that time over 2000 pairs of orthoses have been manufactured on site and The Podiatry and Chiropody Centre continues to be a local centre of excellence for orthotics and biomechanics. Paul is internationally published (link) on Orthotics and Biomechanics and lectures at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels on Podiatric Biomechanics and Sports Injuries (link to HES). Simon Collins and Chris Webb are both Podiatrists with expert knowledge in orthotics and work daily within the orthotic laboratory.
In 2005 a new range of materials were trialed and then endorsed by the Foot Orthotics Laboratory. These materials were imported from the USA, where a material scientist and Podiatrist had managed to combine polymers to make a workable plastic with the rare combination flexibility and durability. These materials (now the TFOL722 and TFOL724) make up over 95 percent of the orthoses prescribed at the Podiatry and Chiropody Centre. The orthotics are customised to the patients’ foot and made while the patient waits, permitting same day prescription and excellent appliances. We would not want to sell material or orthoses we were not using ourselves.
In 2008 The Foot Orthotics Laboratory worked with American orthotic designers and devised three new ingenious orthotics. These were designed to work with new understanding on how feet function , combining the new materials with biomechanical expertise. These are called The Fittafeet, The MedaFeet Unified and The MedaFeet MOSI
Paul and The Foot Orthotics Laboratory team continue to research the benefits and properties of new materials to supply the best appliances, equipment and training. Famously Paul insists on using all appliances himself for prolonged periods before considering further trials, and often at courses is known to produce things from his shoes never seen before. If you have any further questions regarding orthoses or training, please do not hesitate to either call on 02392 373737 or e-mail me
About Us