In this topic you will build on what you have already learned about foot wounds and suitable shoes.
If you do not remember what the risk signs of a foot wound are, or are not sure, go back and review the foot wounds topic in the TAP Mobility assistive products module.
If you do not remember the features of suitable shoes, or are not sure, go back and review the teach topic in the TAP Mobility assistive products module.
What is therapeutic footwear?
Around the world every thirty seconds someone has an amputation as a result of diabetes. Many of these amputations happen after a foot wound has developed.
Therapeutic footwear are shoes with special features to help protect and support a person’s feet. They reduce the risk of a person developing a foot wound.
Who can benefit from therapeutic footwear?
People at moderate to high risk of foot wounds who do not already have a foot wound can benefit from therapeutic footwear.
Meet Jensen
Jensen is 60 years old and has diabetes.
Jensen’s diabetes increases his risk of developing a foot wound. A health worker carried out a foot screen to decide how high Jensen’s risk is.
The health worker identified that Jensen has a high risk of developing a foot wound.
Jensen would benefit from therapeutic footwear to:
- Protect and support his feet
- Prevent a foot wound.
Suitable shoes
Suitable shoes are recommended for people with low risk of foot wounds.
Question
Features of suitable shoes were introduced in the TAP Mobility assistive products module. Test your memory of those features here.
Which of the features below should be present in a suitable shoe?
Select all that apply.
If you selected all of the answers, you are correct. Each of these are features that should be present in a suitable shoe.
If you did not select all features, or were not sure, go back to the TAP Mobility assistive product module and refresh your memory.
People who already have a foot wound
Therapeutic footwear is not used to treat or manage a current foot wound.
Foot wounds need medical management and regular dressing. They may also need offloading products that take pressure off the wound.
People with a foot wound should be referred to a foot wound clinic.
