ROLE OF ORTHOPEDIC SHOES IN MEDICAL SECTOR

Orthopedics is the field of medicine concerned with the correction or prevention of deformities, disorders, or injuries of the skeleton and associated structures. It is the study and treatment of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine, joints, and muscles.

AS per the census of 2011, the country's disabled population has increased by 22.4% between 2001 and 2011. The number of disabled, which was 2.19 crore in 2001, rose in 2011 to 2.68 crore (1.5 crore males and 1.18 crore females). Out of the total handicapped percentage, 20.3% consists of movement disabled i.e. through hand, leg, foot etc.

Before starting the orthopedics and its applications, we will discuss about foot anatomy. The human foot, having 26 bones, is a combined structure of base and lever, supporting and balancing the body‘s weight while standing, raising, moving and walking. Foot Anatomy is the science, which studies the structure of the feet and the interrelations of its parts.

The important structures of the foot can be divided into several categories. These include:

1.       Bones and joints

2.       Ligaments and tendons

3.       Muscles

4.       Nerves

 Structurally, the foot has three main parts:

 1. The forefoot: - is composed of the five toes, collectively called Phalanges, and their connecting long bones, the metatarsals.

2. The mid foot: - featuring five irregularly shaped tarsal bones (the navicular, cuboid, and three cuneiform). It forms the foot‘s characteristic arch and serves as a shock absorber.

 3. The hind foot: - The talus and the calcaneus make up the hind foot. The calcaneus is the largest tarsal bone, and forms the heel. The talus rests on top of it, and forms the pivot of the ankle.

Anatomy of Foot

Abnormalities in Foot

The structural flaw and malfunction in any one part can result in the development of problems and disease. There are various ways by which human foot can be changed from a normal functioning

1.       Poorly fitted shoes

2.       Accidents

3.       Ill Health

4.       Hereditary tendency

5.       Congenital abnormality (exists by birth) 

Out of 206 bones in Human Body, both our foot contains 52 bones i.e. approximately 25%. This is the reason for ruptures, sprains and fractures being the most common injuries.

There are various foot abnormalities that can be very dangerous if not properly treated.

1. Hooked foot: In this disorder the foot is twisted inward in relation to the heel. It is caused by position of the baby before birth.

2. Flatfoot: It is the postural deformity in which the arches of the foot collapse with th entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near complete contact with the ground.

3. Calcaneovalgus foot: The foot is sharply angled at the heel and pointing upward; in some cases, the top of the foot touches the shinbone

4. Accessory navicular: The navicular bone in the center of the foot above the arch collapses

5. Cavus foot: A high-arched foot is known as cavus foot.

 

6. Haglund's deformity: It is defined as the heel bone disorder

7. Trevor's syndrome: This disorder affects bone joints and is characterized by overgrowth of the cartilage on the end of one or more of the long bones in the  foot.

8. Club Foot: It is a deformed foot which is twisted so that the sole cannot be placed flat on the ground.

Abnormalities in Toes

1. Hallux valgus: In this disease, the great toe overlaps the second toe of the foot.

2. Bunions: It is an inflammation and swelling or painful bumps on the side of the joint of big toe.

3. Hammer toes: It has the abnormal bend in the middle joint of the toe.

4. Mallet toe: It effects the joint nearest to the toe nail.

5. Claw toe: It involves abnormal positions of all three joints of the toe.

6. Polydactyly: It is an extra toe in the foot.

7. Apert's syndrome: It is Syndactyl (fusion) of the toes

There are several orthopedic shoes available as per the requirement of the patient.

1.      Medical walking boots are used to protect the foot and ankle after an injury or surgery. They are commonly used for stress fractures, shin splints, broken foot or ankle bones, and severe ankle sprains. They aid in the beginning of the rehabilitation process by stabilizing and protecting the area while it heals. As the foot or leg begins to heal, a walking brace slowly allows weight to be put onto the injured foot as the person transitions towards a full recovery.

2.      A special device is made so that patient suffering from club foot can walk with less effort.

3.      For Flat foot, Moulded footbeds are available that can be easily inserted in the shoe.

4.      Ankle walkers are available in the market for curing of multiple foot abnormalities including ankle fracture, lower tibiofibula fractures ,  ankle ligament injury etc.

5.      Diabetic shoes are specially designed shoes used to reduce the risk of skin breakdown in diabetics with coexisting foot disease. Diabetics are an extremely increased risk of serious foot disorders. Well fitted Diabetic shoe can prevent the foot from chance of ulcers and scours.

Below is another example of diabetic shoe with all specifications.

A.      Added depth in toe box and forefoot allows extra toe room and provides adequate space for use of orthotics.

B.      Padded tongue minimizes lacing pressure over the instep.

C.      Foam cushioned collar prevents heel slippage for friction free fit.

D.     Extended medial heel stabilizer provides rear foot walking stability and minimizes slippage.

E.      Removable dual density insole wicks moisture away from the foot to keep it healthy and dry. Moulded Bottom provides additional cushioning.

F.       Steel shank adds support and stability with excellent arch support.

G.     Lightweight outsole helps the foot to move forward.

6.      Orthopedic shoes are also used to lift the affected leg to its prescribed height. These shoes are suitable for the patients having Leg Length Discrepancy (LLG).

The successful selection of suitable shoes depends on knowledge of product, and the human foot. They have the features that provide comfort and support. Few of them are good arch support, wide toe box, extra depth, modest heels, breathable fabric, and moisture-wicking lining etc. But most importantly, shoes must be the right size and shape for the feet.

These and various other orthopedic shoes are serving as an aid to the Medical sector. Every year, thousands of patients are getting benefits from the Footwear Industry so as to make their life livable and comfortable.