Home of the OrthoPed Foot Drop Splint
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The OrthoPed Foot Drop Splint
A practical, accessible approach to foot drop management
Clinically informed. Off the shelf. Size adjustable. Designed and manufactured in the UK.
The OrthoPed Foot Drop Splint is a lightweight, adjustable foot drop splint designed for people with mild to moderate foot drop, from approximately 2 years old through adulthood.
Designed by a physiotherapist with a focus on function, usability and everyday mobility, OrthoPed provides a practical alternative to bespoke foot drop orthotics for people with mild to moderate foot drop.
It can be issued immediately as an off the shelf solution, with size adjustment. OrthoPed can be worn with suitable lace up and Velcro fastening footwear, helping wearers incorporate foot drop support into everyday life.
At £50 + VAT per splint, OrthoPed offers a cost effective option for foot drop management without the cost and manufacturing time associated with many bespoke orthotic solutions.
Designed to support movement. Made for everyday life.
- Ages 2 years through adulthood
- Off the shelf and size adjustable
- Suitable for mild to moderate foot drop
- Clinically informed design
- Designed to support a more natural walking pattern
- Adjustable with 1 hand
- Easy to fit and use with everyday footwear
- Lightweight and comfortable for daily wear
- £50 + VAT per splint
- 6 month guarantee
How Does OrthoPed Work?
OrthoPed uses a dynamic cord based system to provide assistance during walking.
The splint is secured around the ankle, with the hook attached to the user's footwear. Tension can then be adjusted to provide the level of assistance required for walking.
The aim is to assist with lifting the front of the foot during the swing phase of walking, helping reduce the likelihood of the toes catching the ground.
The amount of support required varies between individuals and should be determined as part of the fitting process.
About OrthoPed
The OrthoPed Foot Drop Splint was created by physiotherapist Claire Williamson (Nee Narborough), who identified the need for a different approach to supporting people with mild to moderate foot drop.
The first OrthoPed designs were developed in 2018, initially using simple prototypes that could be quickly adapted and tested. The design has continued to evolve through research, testing, clinical studies and feedback from users and healthcare professionals.
Funding from from Innovate UK and other organisations supported the development and clinical evaluation of the product.
Today, OrthoPed is a UK designed and manufactured patented medical device, developed with the aim of providing a practical alternative for people who need support with foot drop.
Our journey
2018
First OrthoPed prototypes developed.
2019
OrthoPed Ltd established.
2020–2025
Grant funding supported product development, testing, clinical research and clinical studies in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth and NHS Trust partners.
Today
OrthoPed is available as a UK manufactured foot drop splint for children and adults.
Why choose OrthoPed?
Foot drop management does not always need to involve a bespoke, rigid orthosis.
OrthoPed has been designed to provide a lightweight, dynamic and accessible option for individuals with mild to moderate foot drop who may benefit from additional support during walking.
Available when you need it
Unlike bespoke orthotics that require manufacturing, OrthoPed is an off the shelf, size adjustable solution that can be issued immediately.
This can help reduce waiting times and allow foot drop support to be incorporated into existing orthotic and physiotherapy pathways.
Designed around function
OrthoPed was developed with a focus on functional movement, usability and everyday life.
The dynamic design is intended to assist with foot clearance while allowing greater freedom of movement than a rigid brace, supporting a more natural walking pattern where clinically appropriate.
Designed for everyday footwear
OrthoPed is designed to be easy to adjust and use with suitable everyday footwear, helping users incorporate their splint into their daily activities.
A cost effective option
At £50 + VAT per splint, OrthoPed provides a significantly lower cost option than many bespoke foot drop orthotic solutions.
This has the potential to make appropriate foot drop support more accessible while reducing the cost associated with bespoke provision.
From childhood through to adulthood
With sizes available from approximately 2 years old through adulthood, OrthoPed provides a versatile option across a broad age range.
Funding
The clinical studies were co-funded by Innovate UK, the UK's innovation agency and OrthoPed Ltd, with the majority of the funding provided by Innovate UK under project number 10025587 and 10065645. Innovate UK drives productivity and growth by supporting businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas. They connect businesses to the partners, customers and investors that can help them turn ideas into commercially successful products and services and business growth. They fund business and research collaborations to accelerate innovation and drive business investment into R&D. Their support is available to businesses across all economic sectors, value chains and UK regions. Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation. For more information visit Innovate UK Business Growth.
Feedback
Feedback on the OrthoPed splint was recently collated through an Innovate UK funded Clinical Study in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth and Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) sessions at Southampton General Hospital and Queen Alexandra Hospital. The results are available to read below.
Source: OrthoPed Children's Study
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« The OrthoPed splint would mean he would have more choice of shoes to wear and wear shoes like his friends, rather than trying to find shoes that the orthotics fit in »
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« It feels more comfortable and doesn’t rub or cause blisters »
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« She found it a lot more comfortable than her usual splint »
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« It's not overly big or in your face so she would be happy to wear daily unlike a typical splint which stops her wearing a lot of outfits or shoes »
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« Felt comfortable and looked discreet »
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« I don’t feel it and can forget it is on »
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« I can put it on myself »
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« I can run with it on, I haven’t run in months »
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« It is so simple but works »
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« Her walking is much better in the OrthoPed splint »
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« This is great, I haven’t seen her run in ages »
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« The OrthoPed splint gives her that improved confidence to walk »
Source: Southampton General Hospital Physio’s PPI session – 29/04/2025
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Benefits
- Smaller sizes.
- Used with any shoe type.
- Single handed application.
- Can be used with younger children.
- It's easy to use and promote independence.
- Smaller size and fits any shoe fastening.
- Easier to fit.
- Good that it fits smaller children and different types of shoes.
- Easy to use one handed.
- One handed use to be able to put it on themselves.
- Great fits in laces and Velcro.
- Looks easy to use one handed.
- Cheap = good
Regulatory & Quality
OrthoPed is a UKCA registered Class I medical device.
The product has undergone laboratory testing and clinical evaluation as part of its development.
Patents:
- UK patent number GB2618786
- European patent number EP4525791
Designed and manufactured in the UK
For full product information, please refer to the Information for Use.