Footwear and orthopaedics

Footwear is the oldest known fashion accessory in use. Footwear is often implicated in orthopaedic problems affecting lower limbs and back. Hence footwear modifications have a major role in management of these pathologies as well. This review explores footwear and its role in causation and management of orthopaedic problems. Based on our observations we recommend that children with flexible flatfeet should be encouraged to walk barefoot to help in developing their arches. Women with risk factors for secondary arthritis of knee or back pain may be advised to avoid heels. Commercial shoes which decrease hind foot loading may be used in symptomatic management of hindfoot and mid foot problems. Similarly shoes which decrease forefoot loading may be useful in managing forefoot pathology. Flip-flops should be avoided by diabetics as they do not protect from injuries.