Orthopaedic Footwear
Orthopaedic footwear is specially designed custom-made footwear that provides enhanced support, comfort, and protection for people with foot problems or specific medical conditions. These shoes are created to improve foot health and overall well-being by addressing various foot-related issues.At The Orthotics Clinic, we offer a wide range of orthopaedic footwear to address various foot conditions and improve your quality of life.
Key features of orthopaedic footwear include:
- Extra support and stability for the feet and ankles
- Improved cushioning to reduce pressure on sensitive areas
- Wider and deeper toe boxes to accommodate foot deformities
- Removable insoles for custom orthotics
- Sturdy construction to enhance balance and prevent falls
Who Can Benefit from Orthopaedic Shoes?
Orthopaedic footwear can be beneficial for various individuals, including:
- People with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy
- Anyone struggling to accommodate their Orthosis (such as an AFO) in their footwear.
- Those with significant swelling, oedema or deformities in their feet or ankles
- Individuals with arthritis or other conditions affecting foot mobility
- Anyone experiencing chronic foot pain or discomfort.
Benefits Of Orthopaedic Footwear
Orthopaedic footwear offers several important benefits for individuals, particularly those with diabetes or other foot-related conditions:
Pressure redistribution
These shoes are designed to redistribute pressure across the foot, reducing the risk of developing pressure points that can lead to ulcers. This is especially crucial for diabetic patients with neuropathy who may not feel areas of excessive pressure.
Ulcer prevention
Studies have shown that orthopaedic footwear can significantly reduce the incidence of diabetic foot ulcers compared to conventional footwear. This prevention is vital for individuals at high risk of foot complications.
Protection from injuries
extra protection reduces the risk of unnoticed cuts, blisters, or sores that can quickly worsen into serious ulcers. This is particularly important for those with reduced foot sensation.
Accommodation of foot deformities
extra depth and width to accommodate foot deformities and custom orthotics, reduces the risk of pressure points and irritation.
Improved stability
slip-resistant soles and sturdy construction to enhance stability and balance, which is beneficial for those with balance issues due to neuropathy.
Increased comfort
increased overall comfort for the wearer.
Types of Orthopaedic Footwear
- Fully customized shoes made from scratch for an individual’s specific foot needs
- All aspects and dimensions can be altered
- Requires a full assessment of the foot and ankle
- May involve taking casts or 3D scans of the feet
- Offers the highest level of customization for complex foot issues
- Typically takes longer to produce and is more expensive
Following a successful trial, the orthotist will:
- Take specific measurements
- Discuss which TurboMed model is most suitable for you
- Send your measurements for manufacturing
- Also known as semi-bespoke footwear
- Based on pre-existing shoe designs that can be modified
- Uses standard lengths and widths as a starting point
- Can be adapted to cater for a wide range of foot types
- Allows for adjustments in depth, width, fastenings, and sole units
- Offers a balance between customization and production time
- Custom paediatric footwear may incorporate specific modifications to address various clinical presentations such as cerebral palsy or developmental delays. They are also used to accommodate various types of Orthotics such as AFO’s. The main idea is that these custom shoes are created to meet the unique needs of each child, helping them move more comfortably and safely
Our Orthopaedic Footwear Fitting Process
At The Orthotics Clinic, we follow a detailed assessment and fitting process to ensure your orthopaedic footwear provides the best possible support and comfort:
1. Initial Assessment - We evaluate your foot shape, gait, medical history, and any existing orthoses (like AFOs) to determine your needs.
2. Measurements and Scanning - Precise measurements or 3D scans are taken to ensure a perfect fit, especially for custom footwear.
3. Footwear Selection - We help you choose from a wide range of suitable styles, including bespoke or modular designs tailored to your condition and lifestyle.
4. Fitting and Adjustments - Once your footwear is ready, we ensure correct fit, function, and appearance, making any necessary modifications.
5. Follow-Up Support - We’re available for reviews to ensure your footwear continues to perform and meet your needs.
This process ensures your footwear is both medically effective and comfortable for everyday wear.
Orthopaedic Footwear for Specific Conditions
Orthopaedic shoes can play a vital role in managing and relieving symptoms from various medical conditions. We regularly fit footwear for individuals with:
Diabetic foot complications - To offload pressure and prevent ulcers
Arthritis - To accommodate swollen joints and improve mobility
Charcot foot - With reinforced designs for structural support
Bunions and hammertoes - Using extra-depth and wide-fit options
Drop foot or AFO users - Shoes designed to accommodate orthotic devices comfortably
Oedema or lymphoedema - Soft, adjustable uppers to manage fluctuating swelling
If you’re unsure whether orthopaedic footwear is right for your condition, our team is happy to advise based on your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions.
There are no significant differences between orthopaedic footwear and specialist footwear, as these terms are often used interchangeably to describe footwear designed for individuals with specific foot conditions or medical needs.
Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can cause pain, numbness or weakness.
Orthopaedic shoes are normally shunned by most people because they look “unattractive”, this may have been true a decade ago, but the case is different today. Shoe companies have started taking style into consideration and there are many different varieties of orthopaedic shoes that are available. Many of them look just like ordinary shoes (unless there are significant foot deformities) but they have an added layer of comfort and protection. Preventing foot ulcers and other foot ailments is extremely important for diabetics, and now you can have the option of wearing shoes that look great and feel amazing.