How to Repair Orthopedic Shoes

People wear orthopedic shoes for a variety of reasons including bunions, hammertoe, fallen arches and conditions related to diabetes. Like all shoes, orthopedic shoes and the orthotics worn with the shoes wear out. Additionally, many of the chronic conditions that require people to wear orthopedic shoes can alter with time, meaning repairs or modifications are necessary.

Instructions

• 1

  Familiarize yourself with the common repairs and modifications to orthopedic shoes, which can include inside and outside build-ups, lateral and medial wedges, metatarsal and rocker bars used to reduce pressure on the ball of the foot, strap adjustments, Velcro closures, hooks and sole stiffeners. Shoe repairs should be customized to address your particular foot or leg condition.

• 2

  Consult a doctor or podiatrist regarding the modification or repair needed for your shoes. Your doctor can make the correct recommendation after examining your feet and assessing your current footwear. Shoe repairs or modifications may be external such as stabilizers, flares and wedges, or internal to adapt the interior surface of the shoe to the contours of your foot.

• 3

  Obtain a prescription from the doctor for the modification or repair if required. General repairs such as raising and lowering, stretching, adjustments and metatarsal bars may not require a prescription. Get recommendations from your podiatrist or other doctor for local orthopedic shoe stores or check out the online shoe store options.

• 4

  Have an orthopedic shoe professional properly fit and service your specific shoe and foot problem. Replacement shoes may be a good idea if your shoe repairs or modifications are costly. Shoes with built-in supports, or shoes designed to accommodate arch supports and orthotics, are possible options.

• 5

  Purchase orthopedic shoes, custom orthotics, arch supports, sandals, diabetic shoes and socks, foot bracing, or other foot care products from an orthopedic specialty shoe store. Products to treat bunions, arch pain, or drop foot may also be purchased from an orthopedic shop or orthopedic shoe store.