The Transformative Power of Custom Prescription Footwear in Foot & Ankle Health
The human feet, like the rest of the body, are an engineering marvel, responsible for not only mobility but also deeply connected to the overall health and well-being of the body. However, they are often neglected and the seemingly minor injuries or conditions are ignored for a long time until they start hampering common everyday functionality. Usually, one approaches a doctor to heal these difficulties but in case of diseases like diabetes, arthritis, or birth defects, which cause a lot of pain daily, choosing appropriate footwear can be a life-changing move.
As per the research data by Allied Market Research, the global diabetic footwear market alone was valued at $5,802.5 million in 2020 and is projected to reach $14,183.7 million by 2031, registering a CAGR of 7.9% from 2022 to 2031. Apart from specialised footwear for diabetics, the overall therapeutic footwear and custom pedorthics market is also on the rise due to various contributing factors like the rising geriatric population, increased popularity and participation in sports and fitness, and a simultaneous advancement in technology in medicine and medical devices.
However, the awareness about the need and benefits of custom-made footwear and custom pedorthics in offloading, and healing is yet to be truly understood. Patients are rarely aware of their needs. While clinicians might have the knowledge to understand patient needs, they often lack the resources or information on how or where to direct the patient to get the prescribed footwear. Hence just realising the need for custom prescription footwear is not enough, Clinicians also need to have access to information and quality custom prescription footwear makers to ensure their patients receive the quality care they deserve.
This lack of awareness and understanding on the part of patients and clinicians needs to be addressed. Apart from access to information and good quality prescription footwear manufacturers, Clinicians also need to understand that just as tailored treatments and medicines are prescribed for better health outcomes for each patient, personalized prescription footwear is also required to address unique foot health and mobility needs. Just like in medicine, in therapeutic footwear too, there cannot be a ‘one size fits all’ approach. This is important because custom-made therapeutic footwear can not only treat various foot and ankle conditions but also, some knee and hip problems, while providing comfort, enhancing mobility, and promoting faster recovery.
Understanding Customised Prescription Footwear / Pedorthics:
Some of the common ailments impacting Foot and ankle health and mobility, which can be managed through custom prescription footwear or pedorthics include Diabetic foot Conditions (Diabetic neuropathy and other complications), Arthritis (Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis), Post knee or hip replacement lower limb complications, Congenital Foot Deformities, Foot Deformities from Accidents or Trauma, Plantar Fasciitis, Bunions, Hammer Toes, Pes Planus (Flat Feet), Pes Cavus (High Arches), Metatarsalgia, heel spur, Neuroma (nerve growth between metatarsal heads), among others.
Specialised therapeutic footwear is prescribed by podiatry specialists and fitted by a group of professionals called orthotists, based on the biomechanical assessment of the foot and pedogram (plantar pressure scan). The footwear may be designed to have a very stiff sole (more commonly people feel that the softer the soles, the better the footwear is, but that is a myth. What is required is an insole or footwear, that is hard enough to correct the foot and the gait and withstand the body weight) and a rocker bottom foot to decrease the forces sent to the ball of the foot.
Benefits of custom prescription footwear:
Relieve areas of increased pressure
Any area where there is too much pressure on the foot can lead to skin breakdown, causing deformity (ex-bunion) of the foot, aches and pains in the foot, etc. Footwear should help to relieve these high-pressure areas and therefore reduce the occurrence of related signs and symptoms, like calluses, wounds, blisters, etc.
Reduce shock and shear
The footwear or custom insoles would decrease both the amount of vertical pressure, or shock, on the bottom of the foot, as well as reduce the impact of horizontal movement of the foot within the shoe.
Accommodate, stabilize, and support deformities
Deformities resulting from conditions such as collapse of the arch, loss of fatty tissue, hammer toes, and amputations must be accommodated. Many deformities need to be stabilized to relieve pain and decrease the risk of progression of the deformity.
Limit motion of joints
Limiting the motion of certain joints in the foot can often decrease inflammation, relieve pain, and result in a more stable and functional foot.
Most common prescription footwear includes:
Post post-operative footwear
Immediately following surgery or as part of the treatment of an ulcer, some type of shoe may be necessary before a regular shoe can be worn.
In-depth footwear
In-depth footwear is the basis for most footwear prescriptions. It is generally an Oxford-type or athletic shoe with an additional 1/4- to 1/2-inch of depth throughout the shoe, allowing the extra volume to accommodate any needed inserts or orthoses, as well as deformities commonly associated with a diabetic foot. In-depth footwear also tends to be light in weight, have shock-absorbing soles, and come in a wide range of shapes and sizes to accommodate virtually any foot.
External shoe modifications
This involves modifying the outside of the shoe in some way, such as modifying the shape of the sole, like Buttress Shoes, SACH Shoes, etc, by adding shock-absorbing or stabilizing materials.
Pedorthics.
Pedorthics is a removable insole that provides alignment correction, pressure relief prevent shear friction and shock absorption. These total contact orthosis, which is made from a model of your foot and offers a precision correction to the foot.
Therapeutic Custom-made Footwear
For a foot where we have deformities or amputations, a custom-made shoe can be constructed from the 3D foot scan and/or Plantar Pressure Scans and detailed clinical examination. With extensive modifications in the footwear, even the most severe deformities can usually be accommodated, and ensure that the patient is walking injury-free.
Additionally, by addressing the unique needs of each condition with specialized features and supportive structures, custom prescription footwear and/or pedorthics plays an integral role in managing symptoms, providing long-term solutions for various foot conditions, enhancing mobility, and improving the overall quality of life for individuals with various foot and ankle-related conditions.
In conclusion, Custom prescription footwear and pedorthics play a vital role in managing various foot, ankle, and lower limb conditions by providing tailored support, protection, and relief. Whether addressing the complexities of diabetes, the challenges of arthritis, the intricacies of congenital deformities, or the aftermath of traumatic injuries, personalized footwear or pedorthcis offers individuals the opportunity to move comfortably and confidently toward better foot health and overall well-being.
Consulting with healthcare professionals, foot and ankle specialists or qualified podiatrist (podiatric surgeons) can help individuals find the perfect fit for their unique needs, ensuring that each step is a step towards greater stability and enhanced mobility. Custom footwear is not just a luxury but a necessary component of effective foot, ankle, and lower limb health management, empowering individuals to lead active and pain-free lives.
