WHAT PROBLEMS CAN UNFIT SHOES CAUSE?
As online shopping grows in popularity, there is a greater temptation to purchase, keep, and wear shoes that look fashionable, but may not fit properly. As a result, many adults are wearing shoes that are not appropriate for their foot shape and size. Women especially are more likely to purchase a shoe that is too small, putting them at risk for corns, bunions, and other deformities that may require surgery to correct.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
WHAT MAKES SHOES THERAPEUTIC?
They have certain design and construction features that other shoes don't. First, a shoe suitable for therapeutic purposes generally requires greater-than-usual depth (interior space). A therapeutic shoe has to be roomier inside so that, if an orthosis is needed, the foot and the orthosis aren't competing for space. Therapeutic shoes also must meet certain criteria involving fabrics, closure, and size/width availability. Finally, since foot therapy often requires external or internal shoe modifications, structural strength is a factor.
Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA)
WHERE DO PEOPLE GET THERAPEUTIC SHOES?
Many doctors refer patients who need therapeutic footwear to a credentialed pedorthist. A credentialed pedorthist is a specialist in using footwear to relieve pressures, redistribute weight, accommodate deformities, prevent injuries and preclude the worsening of damage to the foot. Working from a doctor's prescription, a credentialed pedorthist can modify or make shoes, fabricate appropriate foot orthoses, and fit them both to the patient in a way that allows the foot, the orthosis and the shoe to function smoothly as a unit. For some people, shoes are a medical necessity. Whether a foot condition is temporary or permanent, shoes and other footwear devices should be part of the treatment plan. Patients may be eligible through health insurance for partial or full reimbursement for footwear prescribed to accommodate or alleviate medical conditions.
Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA)
As online shopping grows in popularity, there is a greater temptation to purchase, keep, and wear shoes that look fashionable, but may not fit properly. As a result, many adults are wearing shoes that are not appropriate for their foot shape and size. Women especially are more likely to purchase a shoe that is too small, putting them at risk for corns, bunions, and other deformities that may require surgery to correct.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
WHAT MAKES SHOES THERAPEUTIC?
They have certain design and construction features that other shoes don't. First, a shoe suitable for therapeutic purposes generally requires greater-than-usual depth (interior space). A therapeutic shoe has to be roomier inside so that, if an orthosis is needed, the foot and the orthosis aren't competing for space. Therapeutic shoes also must meet certain criteria involving fabrics, closure, and size/width availability. Finally, since foot therapy often requires external or internal shoe modifications, structural strength is a factor.
Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA)
WHERE DO PEOPLE GET THERAPEUTIC SHOES?
Many doctors refer patients who need therapeutic footwear to a credentialed pedorthist. A credentialed pedorthist is a specialist in using footwear to relieve pressures, redistribute weight, accommodate deformities, prevent injuries and preclude the worsening of damage to the foot. Working from a doctor's prescription, a credentialed pedorthist can modify or make shoes, fabricate appropriate foot orthoses, and fit them both to the patient in a way that allows the foot, the orthosis and the shoe to function smoothly as a unit. For some people, shoes are a medical necessity. Whether a foot condition is temporary or permanent, shoes and other footwear devices should be part of the treatment plan. Patients may be eligible through health insurance for partial or full reimbursement for footwear prescribed to accommodate or alleviate medical conditions.
Pedorthic Footcare Association (PFA)