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Foot Conditions
Quick review of common foot conditions.
| Foot Conditions-
Ankle Varus |
| Ankle varus is a
condition where the ankles roll out, diminishing the stability and
overall alignment of the body. If left untreated, ankle varus can lead
to chronic ankle instability. People with ankle varus often experience
an increase in sprains and progressive weakening of the ligaments.
Ankle varus shoes help to
balance the foot’s natural tendencies to roll out--significantly
decreasing the occurrence of injury. Drew footwear, with its wide,
often flared outsole and extended medial heel stabilizer, helps to
reduce the chronic pain associated with ankle varus while improving
foot alignment. |
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| Foot Conditions-
Arthritis |
| Arthritis is not
one disease, but over 100 known diseases that affect the bones, muscles
and joints. The term does not designate a specific disease, but means
inflammation of a joint resulting from any cause. Pain and swelling can
ensue (particularly obvious in the hands and feet), which creates
limited movement and mobility. Drew footwear plays an important part in
maintaining an active lifestyle and comfort level. Because the
arthritic foot is hypersensitive, swollen and painful joints need extra
room and soft leathers. Arthritic feet typically have disintegrated
fatty pads that need extra cushioning and shock absorbing insoles.
Often, orthotics are prescribed to position the foot to create less
stress and alleviate pain. Drew footwear has a variety of depths to
accommodate these special orthotics. If arthritis is present in the
fingers and hands, Drew footwear has Velcro closures and a wide opening
that can ease the pain of putting on, and taking off, footwear. |
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| Foot Conditions-
Bunions |
| Bunions can form in
any part of the foot, but occur most often at the big toe joint.
Bunions are created when friction between bones and skin create
inflammation, resulting in a fluid-filled sac. With continual pressure
the sac hardens and the result is pain and rigidity of the bones. The
big toe is often forced into a position where it faces inward,
resulting in the bunion. High heels and poorly fitting footwear are
considered the main culprits. Drew footwear offers wide toe boxes that
reduce cramping and allow the toes to spread out evenly. Drew features
extended medial heel stabilizers and specifically designed Lasts that
allow adequate toe room, yet keep the heel snug in the shoe. Added
depth footwear creates space for custom orthotics, which can prevent
the overpronation that created the bunion in the first place. Soft,
nearly seamless linings also help to protect bunions and relieve pain. |
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| Foot Conditions-
Diabetes |
| Diabetes is a
syndrome in which the basic defect is an absence or shortage of the
pancreatic hormone insulin. This deficiency disrupts the vascular
system, affecting the eyes, kidneys, legs, and other extremities such
as the feet. Diabetic foot problems arise from poor circulation that
causes hyposensitivity (lack of feeling). Clinical studies have shown
that footwear and doctor prescribed orthotics play an important role in
diabetic foot care. Drew footwear has removable insoles that can be
replaced with prescribed orthotics, which help reduce and redistribute
pressure and pressure points. The footwear has a wide shank area to
better accommodate the diabetic foot. Look for soft, tumbled leathers
that reduce irritation, and shoes that are lined with deerskin or other
soft, seamless materials. |
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| Foot Conditions-
Hammertoes |
|
Hammertoes is a term used to describe toe deformity caused by a muscle
imbalance in the foot. A hammertoe is the result of the flexor
digitorum longus muscle contracting first and overpowering the smaller
muscles in the foot. This causes the toe’s outer two joints to bend
downward, resulting in hammertoe. While genetics plays a role in
creating hammertoes (a flat foot predisposes this condition) failure to
wear extra wide shoes and corrective footwear often aggravates the
problem.
Hammertoes, if left untreated, can
develop into a painful and permanent deformity. Often, the failure to
use corrective shoes places additional pressure on the toes. This
unnatural pressure serves to further aggravate the
hammertoe deformity.
Extra-wide shoes feature wide
toe boxes enabling the toes to rest evenly across the shoe’s surface.
In addition, our corrective shoes reduce friction and relieve pressure
by providing the necessary room for removable insoles found in
deep depth shoes. |
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| Foot Conditions-
Metatarsalgia |
| Metatarsalgia is a
condition that creates intense pain in the ball of the foot. The foot
consists of metatarsal bones that work together to support your body
during walking. If the balance of these bones is compromised, foot pain
can ensue. Footwear with rounded or oblique toe characters prevents the
toes from becoming cramped and helps keep the metatarsal bones in
balance. Support is critical to pain relief and shock-absorbing insoles
that evenly distribute your body weight and reduce painful pressure
points will help. Good insoles will also help prevent the arch from
collapsing, keeping the foot in better alignment. |
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| Foot Conditions-
Pes Cavus |
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Pes Cavus
(commonly referred to as high arches) is a term used to describe a foot
with excessive toe to heel arch elevation. Pes cavus is the opposite of
flat feet and is far less common. The condition of
high arches is often associated with abnormal
orthopedic and neurological conditions or occurs with the onset of
neuromuscular disease that diminishes muscle tone in the foot. A foot,
with a high-arch condition, often experiences pain; this is
because pes cavus places undue stress on the metatarsal region of the
foot. This condition often requires high arch shoes with added depth
for custom insoles or orthotics. Use footwear with extra depth for
custom insoles designed to alleviate high arch pain. In addition, each
pair of shoes has extended medial heel stabilizers, steel shanks and
specially designed lasts that provide added support and stability for
feet with pes cavus. |
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| Foot Conditions-
Pes Planus |
| Pes planus is a
condition where the arch or instep of the foot collapses, coming in
contact with the ground. When an individual walks, pressure shifts to
other parts of the foot and causes pain. Correctly designed shoes will
make the low-arch foot more comfortable. Use footwear designed with
removable insoles that can be replaced with arch-supporting orthotics.
Because the foot often pronates in flat feet, the body can become
misaligned and other joints can be affected. Look for footwear with
extended medial heel stabilizers, steel shanks and specially designed
Lasts that allow for added walking stability to keep the body aligned. |
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| Foot Conditions-
Plantar Fasciitis |
| Plantar Fasciitis
(which can lead to heel spurs) is a persistent pain located on the
bottom of the heel and the inside of the foot. The plantar fascia is a
fibrous, tendon-like structure that extends the entire length of the
bottom of the foot. During excessive activity, the plantar fascia can
become irritated, inflamed and even tear. Improper shoe selection can
cause the injury, including stiff-soled shoes that stretch the tendon,
and over-worn shoes that allow the foot to pronate. Look for footwear
with superior insoles that support the arch and reduce tension on the
tendon. Shoes with extra room for orthotics, which are commonly
prescribed to help alleviate the pain and tension of plantar fasciitis.
Shoes with extended medial stabilizers in the heel provide needed
support and stability for this condition. |
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Return to: Therapeutic and Diabetic Shoes | |
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