As people age, their muscles can weaken, joints become stiff, and bones shift. These changes can make walking painful or increase the risk of slipping or falling. Specialist shoes are designed to provide support and stability for older adults, helping them keep mobile.
Types of Specialist Shoes
There are several types of shoes aimed at older people to address specific foot needs and conditions. Choosing the right shoe can prevent injuries and improve comfort.
Orthopaedic Footwear
Orthopaedic shoes are designed for people with foot problems such as bunions or arthritis. They provide extra support and cushioning to reduce pain. Many orthopaedic shoes have wide toe shapes, firm soles, and adjustable fastenings for swelling.
Shoes and Slippers
Comfortable shoes and slippers for older adults often have non-slip soles to reduce the risk of falls. If you are at risk of falls, it is important to have ways to call for help quickly. Many care settings provide wireless call buttons, like https://www.dinggly.com/products/wireless-call-buttons/, to make sure assistance can be reached when needed.
Bespoke Orthotics
Bespoke orthotics are custom-made inserts, made from rigid, semi-rigid, or soft materials depending on the level of support and cushioning required, that fit inside shoes. They are shaped to support the arches and reduce pressure on certain areas of the foot. Orthotics help correct abnormal foot alignment, which can reduce pain in the feet, knees, hips, and lower back. They are often prescribed for conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, arthritis, flat feet, or diabetic foot problems. Orthotics can be used in everyday shoes or combined with orthopaedic footwear.