Wide Toe Box - may be necessary for a widened or painful foot
Deep toe Box - to avoid pressure on top of toes
Firm Snug Heel with Long Counter - help to support the ankle and to
prevent the foot from turning in
Low Heel - about 2-3 cm. (1" - 1 1/4")
Firm Sole - avoid soft soles that twist easily and do not provide support.
Leather and firm rubber are some suggested materials
Leather of Suede uppers - will conform to your foot more comfortable
and absorb perspiration
Lace-up Style with closed heel and toe - holds your foot securely and
allows for adjustment if your foot is swollen
Points
to remember when purchasing shoes.
1. Make
sure that your width and length are measured each time you buy shoes.
2. If your already have an insole, have the shoes fit with the insole
in place
3. Shoes should be comfortable in the store
4. Have shoes fitted late in the day when your feet are most likely
to be swollen
5. Although there are certain features to proper footwear, there may
be special features that you may need. If you are unsure of the right
shoe for you, please contact your Occupational Therapist.
When to Wear your Foot Orthotics
You
should wear your foot orthotics at all times in supportive footwear.
It is advisable that you transfer your orthotics from your outdoor
footwear to your indoor footwear. This will provide support to your
feet for most of the day.
When
you first receive your orthotics you should gradually increase your
wearing time.
If
your sandals have a removable insole you should transfer your orthotics
from your shoes to your sandals.
Temporary
(Plastazote material) orthotics last for approximately 6 months depending
on how much you wear them. Permanent (Biothotic) orthotics last for
approximately 2 years. After this time it is recommended to have a
new pair fabricated.
Precautions
It is
not normal to have increased foot pain after wearing your new foot
orthotics. If you do experience increased foot, knee, or back pain
remove your orthotics and insert your previous insoles. Immediately
contact your Occupational Therapist to have adjustments made.
If your
foot orthotics cause any one of the following problems STOP WEARING
THE ORTHOTICS and contact your Occupational Therapist immediately.
Pressure
area/redness/blisters
Numbness,
tingling
Severe
pain
Burning
sensation
Excessive
swelling
Changes
in the appearance of your skin
Orthotics
will likely not fit shoes without a removable insole.
Orthotic
Instructions
The
best way to clean your orthotic is to wipe them down with a cloth
that has soap and water on it. DO NOT put your orthotics in the washing
machine or dryer as it may damage them.
Bring
your orthotics with you when purchasing a new pair of supportive footwear
to ensure that they will properly accommodate your orthotics.
What
to Wear in the House:
Problem feet need to be supported at all times. It is a myth that
walking in bare feet is good for your feet. The best thing to wear inside
is, again, running or walking shoes; an old, cleaned-up pair will do.
If you prefer slippers, choose ones with a closed heel and a good, sturdy,
non-slip sole. If possible, wear insoles in your slippers or inside
shoes.
FOOT
RULES TO LIVE BY
1. Check
your feet often. They are critical to your ability to remain mobile.
2. Inspect you toes and between them daily for blisters, cuts, scratches.
3. Inspect your feet for red areas on both the tops of your toes and
the sides of and bottoms of your feet. Using a hand mirror can help.
4. Wash your feet daily and dry carefully, especially between the
toes.
5. Avoid using chemical agents to remove corns or calluses.
6. Avoid cutting or trimming corns or calluses.
7. Cut toenails straight across.
8. Wear properly fitted stockings.
9. Avoid wearing garters or tight fitting bands around your legs.
10. With arthritis, the position of the bones in your feet can change.
You may have to change or modify your footwear often.
11. Shoes should be fitted by a professional and should be comfortable
at the time of purchase. Do not depend on them to stretch out with
wear.
12. Proper fit of shoes is important. Size, as well as shape, should
be considered. There should be adequate width and depth to avoid pressure
on toes. The back of the shoe should be snug around your heel.
13. If your cannot purchase comfortable shoes, ask a foot care specialist
for advice.
14. If your foot is turning in, or your shoes are wearing unevenly,
call this to the attention of a foot care specialist.
15. Plan ahead to spend short periods of time walking when your feet
are painful.
16. If you have unusual pain in your feet for longer than one or two
hours after walking, you have probably overdone it. Sit down and rest
your feet.
17. Lose excess weight so that your feet won't have to carry it.
18. If you notice your ankle turns in when you walk, you may need
a corrective insert in your shoe. See a foot care specialist.
19. If your have painful overlapping toes, or you feel like you are
walking on racks, tell your medical specialist.
20. The most comfortable shoes may not be the most fashionable. However,
there are well-designed and good looking shoes that will make your
feet look and good and feel good.
Arthritis
Institute Services
