A custom-made orthopaedic shoe is prescribed by a doctor and is characterized by special features that positively affect foot orthopaedics. The shoe sits perfectly on foot, supports it in the event of foot problems and offers enough space so that no pressure points form. Misaligned feet and injuries are prevented. The models are made to measure and adapt to the individual anatomy.
Numerous problems of the musculoskeletal system have their origin in our feet. Misalignments can strain the entire posture and thus our muscles, bones and joints.
If your specialist at Physio clinic hamilton determines a misalignment of the foot or permanent deformities that require specially adapted healing aids, an individual adjustment of the aids is often necessary to alleviate pain over the long term.
An alternative to therapeutic shoes can be orthopaedic insoles, which are already sufficient to aid some people and foot problems. Depending on the clinical picture, health shoes usually require personal contribution and additional payment from the health insurance company.
Health shoes: individual production by hand
Orthopaedic therapeutic shoes are used when or are to be feared restrictions on walking due to illness. They are also used when other measures — such as physiotherapy or the provision of orthopaedic insoles — are not (or can no longer) be used to alleviate symptoms. The different models are always made to measure and precisely tailored to the individual needs of the wearer.
Medical shoes differ from standard hand-made shoes in terms of their purpose and inner workings. Both fit — well made — like a glove, but only the orthopaedic shoe specifically counteracts damage to health. Depending on this, it is also possible to rework normal streets for orthopedic purposes using shoe adjustments.
Orthopedic shoe technology — find the right shoe for every need
The shape of the orthopedic shoe depends on the respective disease and gait and the foot orthopedics. This determines the function that the shoe should fulfil. It makes a difference whether someone is “wobbly” on their feet and in pain due to an ankle injury or whether the nerves in the foot are damaged as a result of diabetes.
For example, in the case of temporary injuries, the aim is to stabilize the joints through a precise fit so that the foot can heal. In the event of permanent impairment, the foot should be bedded so gently that no injuries or pressure sores arise. After amputations, orthopedic shoes serve as a toe or metatarsal replacement and compensate for the missing limbs without the need for a prosthetic fitting.
Types of made-to-measure orthopedic shoes at a glance
Orthopedic shoes can be roughly divided into four main groups:
Orthopedic shoes: they are used for stabilization and usually have a high shaft. They are mainly used for ankle damage as well as damage to the Achilles tendon and paralysis.
Height compensation shoes: They compensate for a leg length difference of more than three centimetres.
Shoes with toe and metatarsus replacement
Diabetic footbeds: Thanks to particularly soft material, they prevent pressure sores from developing.
