Orthotic devices tackle foot pain

Jim Woodburn, professor of rehabilitation at GCU, will work with 13 institutions to help bring faster and more effective relief to sufferers.

The A-Footprint project will aim to develop orthotic devices to support or correct musculoskeletal problems.

It is hoped that the work will improve patients’ quality of life by developing more comfortable, user-friendly and attractive devices, which will reduce recovery times.

Figures show more than £265m is spent on treating disabling foot and ankle problems every year across Europe. GCU will work alongside universities in Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Belgium, Lithuania and Holland over the next four years.

Prof Woodburn, the UK’s first podiatry research chair, said: ’This is an exciting opportunity to lead a team whose combined expertise will enable us to deliver novel medical devices.’

Funding for work will come from The 7th Framework Nanotechnologies, Materials and New Production Technologies Cooperation Work Programme.