Prescription footwear for arthritis of the foot and ankle.

Abstract

The Board Certified Pedorthist can be a valuable member of the team of healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of arthritis of the foot and ankle. In addition to providing prescription footwear, the pedorthist can assist in educating the patient, postoperative care, and long term monitoring of the patient's progress. The objectives in the pedorthic care of arthritis of the foot and ankle are to reduce shock and shear; to relieve excessive pressure from sensitive or painful areas; to accommodate, correct, and support deformities; and to control or limit painful motion of joints. Specific types of prescription footwear used to accomplish these objectives include shoes, external shoe modifications, and custom made foot orthoses.