Throughout our lives, our feet are responsible for letting us walk, run, dance—just about every other activity we enjoy. But because of the daily impact our feet endure, they’re susceptible to a number of painful conditions as we age. In fact, according to the Health in Aging Foundation, one in three people over 65 have foot pain or stiffness, and the journal Gerontology reports that foot pain in older adults is even associated with a 62% increased risk of recurrent falls.
While it’s important to see a podiatrist for serious foot pain, some common foot problems in older adults, such as bunions, hammertoes and plantar fasciitis, can be relieved with better-fitting, supportive shoes.
For more than 20 years, seniors and caregivers have been relying on orthopedic footwear made by OrthoFeet to alleviate – and even prevent – foot pain, leading to an overall better quality of life. If you or your loved one deals with foot discomfort, it may be time to discover the benefits of OrthoFeet products.
What makes OrthoFeet different?
Designed by brothers Ron and Michael Bar, the OrthoFeet story began back in 1973, when as a young soldier, Ron lost his leg when his tank was hit by a missile. While he needed a high-quality orthotic device to help him walk again, he experienced firsthand the subpar methods for taking an accurate cast of a foot.
After earning a doctorate in biomedical engineering, he set out to design insoles, orthotics and footwear that would better help his condition, as well as others with mobility issues. His brother Michael, a mechanical engineer, joined him in his venture, and together they discovered how expandable polyurethane foam activated by water could mold an orthotic directly to the shape of the foot—enhancing fit and comfort.
In 2000, they used that methodology to create a line of comfort orthopedic shoes, and have been relieving pain in millions of customers worldwide ever since.
What are the benefits of OrthoFeet shoes?
With so many orthopedic brands out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the best option for your loved one’s foot condition. OrthoFeet provides multiple advantages above and beyond other brands, including the fact the company offers so many styles for men and women. Whether your loved one is looking for a comfortable new walking sneaker, a cozy winter boot, an attractive Mary Jane, or a dress shoe for an upcoming special event, they can easily find a shoe to help them feel and look their best. Yet, the benefits extend well beyond just style:
Premium orthotic insoles – Seniors suffering from flat feet, plantar fasciitis, bunions, corns and calluses will love how OrthoFeet’s biomechanical insoles reduce pressure on the bottom of the foot and provide arch support to prevent feet from rolling inward (known as pronation). Pronation can throw the knees, hips and lower back out of line, so these special insoles can alleviate pain in all those areas by re-aligning the entire body.
Ergonomic soles – To take the load off joints and reduce stress on ankles, each style has an ergonomic sole that creates a toe spring for a mild rocker effect. This is extremely beneficial for anyone suffering from arthritis.
Stretchable, padded upper – To reduce pressure on the top and sides of the foot and provide relief for hammertoes and bunions, each shoe has a stretchy, padded upper that gently conforms to the foot.
Narrow, regular, wide and extra-wide style – OrthoFeet shoes are available in several widths to accommodate each customer’s needs. This helps reduce pressure for those with bunions, allows for circulation in diabetic patients, and allows extra room for anyone whose feet tend to swell.
Extra depth – With extra depth built in, custom orthotics of various heights can slide in for a perfect fit. And if a shoe happens to be too loose, customers can use the 1/16-inch (2mm) or 1/8-inch (3mm) options OrthoFeet includes with each purchase.
Heel cushion – A generous cushion in the heel absorbs excess impact force that often causes knee and back pain.
Tie-less lace system – Because many seniors have arthritis in their hands, it’s hard to hold laces. OrthoFeet’s athletic shoes have a hook and latch system under the laces to accommodate these customers.
A shoe for every condition – OrthoFeet makes it easy to find shoes to alleviate specific conditions. On its website, customers can search for shoes that relieve bunions, heel pain, swollen feet, flat feet shoes, diabetic shoes, plantar fasciitis and more.
Where can I find OrthoFeet shoes?
To try on shoes before you buy, ask your loved one’s podiatrist, a local orthotic shop, medical supply store, or orthopedic shoe store if they carry OrthoFeet products.
Because the company offers free shipping and a 60-day return policy, you may also consider buying shoes directly from OrthoFeet.com. Before you make a purchase, be sure to ask your loved one’s Medicare representative if their policy covers specialty shoes. Insurance will sometimes pay if a patient has a foot deformity, poor blood circulation, a history of ulcers, diabetic neuropathy, or has had a previous amputation of the foot.
