What is Medical Grade Footwear?
Cheltenham podiatry based in Melbourne provides a range of medical grade footwear. In addition, medical grade footwear are shoes that are specifically made for people suffering certain conditions. Additionally, they are high quality and also meet quality comfort standards.
In conclusion, these shoes are used in conjunction with treatment options. They are also a great choice for those looking for everyday comfort and support.
WHAT SHOES DO WE STOCK?
We stock high quality brands, including:
- Dr Comfort Shoes: suitable for diabetics and those who require extra depth footwear.
- Alegria Shoes: suitable for those with arthritis.
- Fit Flops: comfortable sandals with great arch support suitable for those with flat feet or who need added arch contour.
- Ortho Heel Sandals and Thongs: suitable for those looking for summer footwear with good arch support.
FOOTWEAR FACTS FOR WHEN CHOOSING A SHOE
Lace-Up or Fastening Mechanism
Laces are preferred because they help to keep the foot back in the heel counter of the shoe and provide support for improved stability.
In conclusion, this allows the forefoot to function properly and efficiently and also reduces forward pressure onto the tips of the toes.
Broad Toe Box
A broad toe box helps to prevent lateral compression (i.e. squeezing of the toes).
Additionally, if the shoe is too shallow, this causes pressure on the toes which can lead to blisters and the formation of corns, calluses and ingrown toe nails.
Thumb-Space Clearance
Always try the shoes on when standing because feet elongate and spread with stance. Additionally, insufficient toe room can result in nail problems and affect stability.
Finally, ensure that the shoe fits the longer of your two feet and approximately 8-10mm of room beyond the longest toe is available.
Forefoot Bend
Footwear should bend only at the ball of the foot where the toes bend and not through the arch or the middle of the foot.
Heel Counter
The heel counter needs to be firm and feel snug, because this helps to keep the heel and the foot stable.
Additionally, once the heel counter loses its stability, this is a signal that your shoes need replacing.
The Upper
Leather uppers are preferred for their durability and for their ability to breathe.
Additionally, Avoid synthetic man made materials, unless the upper is an open weave fabric similar to that which exists in many sneakers. In addition, open weave fabrics allow better air flow.
Shock Absorbing Sole and TORSION
A cushioned non-slip sole is preferred to help minimise jarring through the foot, leg, and the spine.
In addition, avoid hard-soled materials (e.g. hard leather soles.)
Additionally, only a small amount of twisting motion should be available in a stable shoe
HEEL BASE
The heel base needs to be broad.
Additionally, the smaller and narrower the heel base is, the less contact you have with the ground, therefore increasing your instability.
In conclusion, a broad heel base will allow stable movement especially for those with limited mobility.
HEEL HEIGHT
A shoe with a low heel is preferable (i.e. 10mm to 25mm).
Additionally, increased heel height ultimately affects the entire body because there is an increase in load and force placed on the forefoot.
In addition, this causes the body’s centre of gravity to shift forward, calf muscles shorten, muscles and ligaments fatigue as they are forced to work overtime to keep you balanced.
In conclusion, this leads to an increase of stress placed on the lower back and thus body posture is affected.
Book an appointment
NEED MEDICAL GRADE FOOTWEAR ADVICE?
Our friendly team is ready to advise on all your footwear needs.
In addition, our professional podiatrists can help you find the appropriate footwear for your condition.
Additionally, to make an appointment with a podiatrist, book online now by using our form below. Or give us a call on 03 9583 3093.
* Telehealth: medicare bulk billed for patients with a chronic disease plan referred by the gp, and department of veteran affair patients.
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