Choosing the right shoe to wear requires more than just fashion sense. The shoes you wear are very important to your overall health. If you wear the wrong shoes for your feet it could not only lead to sore feet but also to a myriad of other health issues. In addition, people with certain conditions, such as Diabetics, bunions, hammer toes, flat feet and high arches are especially in need of a custom fitting shoe or orthopaedic shoe. In general, wearing orthopedic shoes is a good idea whenever there is any type of health issue that makes it painful to walk while wearing commercially produced shoes. Wearing orthopedic shoes is also a good idea for those who spend a large portion of their day standing.

Orthopedic shoes have wider range of customizations that allow for a closer fit to your foot. Orthopedic shoes come in different depths, widths and also incorporate special design characteristics for different foot types. Generally, orthopedic shoes provide more support for the feet and ankles than regular footwear. However, orthopedic shoe design will depend on the health problem of the wearer.

Some of the popular issues addressed by orthopedic shoes are:

Runners

People who are very athletic or are avid runners really need to wear the right type of shoe. The wrong shoe is likely the reason causing knee pain, shin pain or pain in your back or feet. Most salespeople in retail running shoe stores do not have the knowledge to  properly fit you for shoes or determine what type of running shoe is best for you. You need a Pedorthist who can give you proper guidance and advice to properly fit you for the right shoe.

Diabetics

Orthopaedic shoes are an instrumental part of treatment and prevention for Diabetic cases. It is necessary for all Diabetics to be fitted for orthopaedic shoes as it can prevent other issues such as ulcers related to the Diabetic foot. The feet of a Diabetic are highly prone to injury due to a number of issues related to the disease. To be over simplistic, their feet are much more sensitive. The first question we always ask patients is whether they are Diabetic as it affects how shoes and orthotics are fitted.

Foot Deformities

Bunions, hammertoes and claw toe are deformities of the foot and toes caused by improper shoe wear and abnormal gait/biomechanics. Orthopaedic shoes are designed to help control abnormal gait as well as allowing the proper depth and width in a foot with a foot deformity. Orthopaedic shoes are key in reducing symptoms in the affected toes/foot as well as preventing further deformation of the toes. Orthotics should also be worn to properly support the foot, control abnormal biomechanics and to redistribute the pressure in the foot to prevent the deformity from worsening. In extreme cases surgical intervention is needed.

If you think you may need orthopaedic shoes, please contact us to make an appointment. You will need a referral from your family doctor. Some insurance plans will over the cost of orthopedic shoes.