Define Orthopedic Shoes
Orthopedic shoes, also called therapeutic shoes, are medically necessary footwear designed for individuals with foot, heel, ankle and leg problems. They are specially engineered to provide pain relief and support for the ankles and feet of patients of all ages. Orthopedic shoes are typically prescribed by specialized foot care doctors, who make the prescription after a thorough assessment and extensive evaluation of a patient's gait, posture, motion of feet and the strength, alignment and structure of the legs.
Other People Are Reading
-
Function
-
According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, the primary function of orthopedic shoes is to provide protection to the feet from injury and to effectively manage symptoms of foot disorders.
Types
-
According to Olga Breeben in the book “Physical Therapy Clinical Handbook for PTAs,” the most common types of orthopedic shoes include the Balmoral lace stay, the Blucher lace stay, the low quarter-height shoe, the high quarter-height shoe, shoes with special soles, shoes with low or high heels and shoes with additional reinforcements.
-
Prescription and Manufacturing Information
-
Orthopedic shoes are tailor-made based on a three-dimensional cast made of a patient's feet. They are prescribed by specialist health care professionals, including podiatrists, chiropodists, pedorthists and orthoists. Shoes are typically made of leather, or a similar material, and have thick, removable inner soles. Other modifications are made according to the patient's needs. As of July 2010, the most popular orthopedic shoe brands include Orthofeet, Clarks, Asics, New Balance, Birkenstock and Saucony.
Ailments Covered
-
Orthopedic shoes are medically necessary for congenital deformities, traumatic injuries and diseases in one or both feet. Congenital deformities are all those structural anomalies that are present at birth, such as a missing or deformed limb. Traumatic injuries are all those caused by accidents. Diseases that affect one or both feet include deformities caused by osteomyelitis or arthritis. Orthopedic shoes are equally effective in managing heel spur pain, plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoe and dropped feet.
Price
-
Most orthopedic shoes cost between $90 and $200, depending on the raw materials used and any additional, supporting characteristics (the thickness of the sole, length of the gaps between the toes and the like).
Benefits
-
Orthopedic shoes provide extra protection and support to affected feet and improve balance and traction while walking and standing. They are designed to fit securely, allowing the feet and toes to breathe while providing maximum flexibility. Orthopedic shoes improve general walking posture as well as athletic performance and extend the range of motion of the legs.
-
References
- Photo Credit shoes image by Valentin Mosichev from Fotolia.com
