Orthopedic shoes

Orthopedic shoes can have multiple benefits for the wearer. They can be used for hereditary malformations, age, accident and diabetes-related foot problems as well as for knock knees or bow legs that require a special insert. Often, shoes with removable footbeds are advertised as orthopedic shoes by manufacturers today. Others only see those shoes that a trained orthopedic shoemaker has made as real orthopedic shoes. The terminology should be better clarified.

What are orthopedic shoes?

A definition for orthopedic shoes usually describes footwear specially made by an orthopedic technician for orthopedic purposes. Orthopedic shoes correct misalignments of the joints, for example, help after surgical interventions on the foot or embed club feet that do not fit into conventional shoes in custom-made craftsmanship.

Orthopedic shoes are usually customized, but there are also types that can be bought ready-made at the medical supply store. Which shoes can actually be called orthopedic shoes is assessed very differently.

Shapes, types & types

Numerous shapes, types, and types orthopedic shoes can be distinguished. With some shoes, only a heel increase is necessary, with others a special cut or a compensation of different leg lengths. In the case of hallux valgus or other foot deformities, orthopedic shoes ensure freedom from pain and low-stress walking.

Orthopedic shoes are made for people with heel spurs, legs of different lengths, ulcerated nail beds, rheumatically damaged ankles or diabetic feet and can look different. After foot operations and accidents that cause the foot to swell, you can now wear orthopedic felt shoes that can be individually adapted to the foot thanks to a Velcro strap.

A break can also require the temporary wearing of orthopedic shoes with raised soles or a wider shoe shaft. This is about leather orthopedic shoes that already exist and are adapted to the orthopedic problem. In other cases, the orthopedic shoes have to be bought new because of a permanent foot problem. Typical of orthopedic shoes are, for example, reinforced soles, an individually adapted shaft shape, specially made footbeds or special fittings inside the shoes.

In the case of diabetic feet, it is important that the orthopedic shoes are soft and cannot create pressure points. These are not noticed in time by the diabetic because of the typical sensory disturbances in the diabetic foot. Diabetics therefore need specially made orthopedic shoes that can only be obtained from orthopedic shoemakers, in special online shops and medical supply stores.

Much of what is now called orthopedic shoes looks like ordinary footwear from the outside. The extent to which these are so-called "health shoes" or real orthopedic shoes must be checked in each case. It is best to buy orthopedic shoes only in designated specialty shops, where they can be adapted to individual requirements if necessary.

Structure, function & mode of operation

In terms of structure and functionality orthopedic shoes be adapted to the respective foot problem. Optimized footbeds, soft buffer heels, a built-in forefoot relief or heights of the shoe edge make walking painless.

Train heels, insoles, Velcro fasteners or padding for orthopedic shoes help to embed the foot well. After toe amputation, orthopedic shoes can provide better compensation than improvised walking aids in conventional footwear.

In order to be able to walk reasonably painlessly even with severe foot problems, orthopedic shoes have to fit well so that the damaged foot can roll properly.

Medical & health benefits

The medical and health benefits orthopedic shoes is great because most people have foot problems at a relatively young age.

Although it is pointed out again and again that incorrect, too wide or too tight shoes can cause lasting damage to the foot, shoes are always bought according to purely fashionable criteria. The term "orthopedic shoes" is associated with shapelessness and a lack of visual attractiveness. In later years of life, orthopedic shoes become necessary due to years of wearing unsuitable shoes. They prevent further deformations, misalignments of individual toes, increased corn formation or painful pressure points on the feet.

Those who can walk pain-free again with orthopedic shoes do not get a thrombosis due to chronic lack of exercise. Orthopedic shoes are essential so that we can stand on our own two feet for as long as possible.