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OUR APPROACH

Meet your orthotist.
Understand our approach.

Zishan Akhtar, founder and Lead Clinical Orthotist at Orthotic ConsultantsZishan Akhtar · Lead Clinical Orthotist

MEET YOUR ORTHOTIST

Zishan Akhtar

BSc (Hons) Prosthetics and Orthotics
HCPC registered orthotist · PO04027
Member of the British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics (BAPO)

BAPO is the UK professional body supporting the prosthetic and orthotic workforce through professional guidance, education and continuing development.

Founder and Lead Clinical Orthotist

I qualified in 2007 and have worked in NHS and private orthotic care. My focus is on careful assessment, practical advice and a prescription suited to the individual.

I aim to give you an honest clinical opinion, explain the options and their limitations, and help you decide whether orthotic treatment is appropriate.

We choose the manufacturing partner to suit your prescription, drawing on specialist expertise in different types of orthosis. We work only with partners we trust, with close attention to materials, construction and workmanship.

I founded Orthotic Consultants in 2010. I set the clinical specification, work closely with the manufacturer and check the finished device before fitting. I remain involved through fitting, any necessary adjustments and follow-up.

MEET ZISHAN

A personal introduction

Hear Zishan explain how orthotic care can help, in this introduction filmed at 10 Harley Street.

Watch on YouTube

BUILT AROUND YOUR LIFE

Your goals guide
our recommendations.

My clinical interests

My interests centre on understanding how the foot, ankle and lower limb work together, and how an orthosis can fit into a person's everyday life. I am particularly interested in cases where a careful history and biomechanical assessment help explain why someone is experiencing pain, instability or difficulty walking.

Foot and ankle biomechanics, orthotics and insoles

I have a particular interest in assessing foot and ankle problems and prescribing insoles and other foot orthoses. I consider foot shape, joint movement, loading, footwear and activity together, rather than looking at the foot in isolation. The aim is to recommend support that is appropriate to the person's needs and practical for the shoes and activities that matter to them.

Neurological orthotics and ankle-foot orthoses

I have a particular interest in orthotic care for people following a stroke (cerebrovascular accident, or CVA), people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and those with other neurological conditions. This includes AFO assessment and prescription for people experiencing foot drop, weakness or changes in muscle control. I consider the relationship between the ankle, knee, footwear and walking pattern when selecting the design, materials and joint options. Where appropriate, I work alongside the patient's physiotherapist and wider rehabilitation team.

Complex foot and ankle needs, including CMT

I have a specialist interest in working with people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). Their foot and ankle needs can be complex, making individual assessment, footwear compatibility and careful fitting particularly important. This sits within my wider interest in finding practical orthotic options for people whose needs are not easily met by a standard device.

Reviewing existing orthoses

I also value the opportunity to reassess an insole or brace that is uncomfortable, difficult to use or no longer meeting someone's needs. Listening to what has and has not worked, then examining the person, device and footwear together, helps guide whether adjustments or a different approach should be considered.

Listening comes first

I place particular importance on listening to each patient. How symptoms developed, what has helped or been difficult, and what matters in daily life provide valuable clues to guide the assessment. I consider that history alongside a biomechanical assessment of movement, strength, joint alignment, walking and footwear to inform my recommendations.

The same orthotist throughout your care

As the sole orthotist at Orthotic Consultants, I personally provide assessment, prescription, fitting and review. You see me throughout your care, with advice and follow-up tailored to your needs. Where appropriate, I work with your physiotherapist, consultant and wider rehabilitation team.

A personal approach, from the first appointment onwards

I start by understanding your symptoms, how they affect your daily activities and what you hope to achieve with treatment. I then assess whether an orthosis could help and explain the available options.

I combine detailed clinical assessment with practical experience of how orthoses perform in everyday life. Where appropriate, that includes conventional manufacturing, carbon-fibre construction and newer approaches such as 3D printing. The choice follows your needs, rather than a preference for one particular technology.

You will receive a clear explanation of the options, my recommendations and the costs before deciding whether to proceed. Fitting and adjustments are part of that care, because a device needs to work for the person wearing it.

My aim is simple: carefully considered orthotic care, with personal responsibility for the details that make a difference.

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