The role of footwear in rehabilitation: A review

Whilst footwear is primarily used to protect the foot from cutaneous injury, its use as a therapy in rehabilitation is becoming more significant as shoes can be selected and modified to meet the clinical needs of a patient.This paper provides a general overview to the uses of footwear in the rehabilitation of patients with diabetic foot complications, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and the elderly. Furthermore, it highlights the role footwear plays in improving function and performance.Therapeutic footwear and footwear adaptations are frequently used within rehabilitation to accommodate joint deformities, modify plantar pressure distribution, alter gait patterns and improve stability and balance. However there are limited footwear choices for common foot health problems leading to persistent problems associated with fit and comfort. The evolution of a bespoke shoe that is fit on the high street would provide an effective therapy for the masses.