Foot pain can put many seniors in a corner. But the right kind and type of shoes can help seniors with types of foot problems remain active for years—and orthopedic shoes may offer the best solution. But!! It is not like getting another pair of shoes. Readily available orthopedic shoes might not fit your requirements and thus may not give you the desired comfort. Here is a detailed guide on how to get the best orthopedic shoes.

What Are Orthopedic Shoes?

Orthopedic shoes provide the best support for the structure of the foot, ankle, and leg with a stable sole and a firm heel. People with abnormal foot mechanics are more likely to need orthopedic shoes. And seniors often require orthopedic shoes to cope with the structural change of their bodies with age.

For seniors with a foot condition, an orthopedic shoe can be more than just a shoe. It can make a huge difference in seniors’ longevity, and help them lead an active life for a longer period of time without the need for surgery. 

What Are the Most Common Foot Conditions Experienced by Seniors?

Many surveys show that almost 70% of elderly patients have foot issues. Wearing inappropriate, wrong-fitting shoes are further worsening the condition. Let’s have a look at the most common conditions:

1. Arthritis: It is a condition that causes inflammation and swelling of cartilage and lining of joints. It usually builds up fluid in the joints, too—all of these contribute to your feet becoming stiff and painful.

2. Bunions: It enlarges bone at the base of the big toe or tissue of the joint that has moved out of place. This makes the big toe pull the smaller toes forward, changing the shape of the foot.

3. Plantar fasciitis: This is an inflammation of the connective tissue called the fascia that connects the heel to the base of the toes along the bottom of the foot.

4. Heel pain: A very common cause of foot pain having a variety of causes such as heel spurs (calcium deposits) and tendonitis.

5. Diabetes: It is a common lifestyle disease that can cause many foot-related complications, such as nerve damage and poor blood circulation. In worst cases, it can even cause foot ulcers on the bottom of the feet.

When the elders get affected by one or more such conditions the common footwear may impair their walking ability and often seek orthopedic shoes to accommodate changes in their feet. But the question is how to choose a pair of shoes that helps them stay active in their day-to-day life. Here are some of the important tips to consider while ordering.

Useful Guide for Buying Shoes:

Shopping for a perfect pair of orthopedic shoes requires a little research. Have a look at the following tips that might help you: 

1. First of all, understand the foot condition better or seek the help of a podiatrist who can clarify the factors like heel height, width, or shoe flexibility. 
2. Don’t forget to consider the activities you are involved in. You may be needing a pair of orthopedic walking shoes or shoes to help to resolve balance issues.
3. While shopping online be certain of the return policy. Better search for options where you can try out the shoes before you make the payment. Instead of ready-made shoes, it is recommended to contact an orthopedic shoe repairing specialist to customize a shoe you like to wear. 
4. If you are in a hurry then make sure you try on shoes in the late afternoon or evening as your feet swell throughout the day.
5. The size you have been wearing for a long time might change as your feet grow with age. So, it’s not wrong to measure your feet each time you buy new shoes. You should consider a half or an inch gap between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe to walk comfortably. But excessive space should be avoided to reduce any friction between your feet with the shoes.

Where to get the Best Orthopedic Shoes for Seniors:

The best way to get a pair of orthopedic shoes is through customization. You have two benefits here such as 1) You are not limited to a specific style or brand, 2) It ensures a perfect fit. Find a shoe specialist that can customize your shoes as comfortably as possible. Shoe inserts are not always the best solution. Larger deformities need a shoe lift. If this is something you are looking for then American Heelers in Cleveland, OH can be your best choice. It is one of the oldest family-owned businesses spanning over 100 years and has the experience of modifying tens of thousands of shoes of various brands and types. It follows a super easy process to give you the best outcome now and each time you try their services at an affordable price. You can visit www.orthopedicshoelift.com/faq.htm for more information.