Footwear Assessments

Footwear plays a large role in the development as well as the prevention of foot and leg problems.

Well fitted shoes, with the appropriate degree of support is an essential tool when dealing with issues such as bunions, corns, callous, hammer toes and pain in the forefoot.

The modern footwear market has given podiatrists a vast array of tools to deal with foot pain ranging from the patients deemed at high risk of ulceration to the elite athlete.

Finding the correct shoe for each individual is a critical aspect of foot and leg health. Appropriate footwear can reduce or prevent injuries by delivering a favourable biomechanical effect. When considering an appropriate shoe for the client considerations are given to biomechanics, posture, the shape of the client’s foot, their activities and the preferred shoe style.

Shoe design is an evolving process that requires frequent research by podiatrists in order for them to keep abreast of the current models available by the various shoe manufacturers. In some cases, such as severe bunions or more advanced diabetes, a custom made shoe is more appropriate. In such situations the podiatrist can liaise with a custom shoe maker in order to achieve the optimal result.