Why Use A Post-Operative Wound Shoe?

The road to recovery can often be a bumpy one. After foot surgery, trauma or ulceration, the foot is in an extremely vulnerable position – if great care is not taken, the healing process can stall, and the patient's condition can even deteriorate. But this need not mean patients have to remain bedridden or immobilised for months on end while their foot slowly recovers – indeed, clinicians will be aware that this can bring its own set of problems.

With the use of a post-operative wound shoe, you can help patients' wounds to recover, protecting their feet whilst retaining mobility and reducing pain. The basic function of a wound shoe is to protect the foot and enable mobility whilst accommodating bandages, casts or other dressings. Many wound shoes are also capable of redistributing weight away from specific (wounded) areas of the foot, enhancing healing.

What is a Wound Shoe?

The image below depicts a typical wound shoe and highlights some features characteristic to most wound shoes. 

1. Large square toe design – provides additional protection for the toes and more space to accommodate large dressings 
2. Relaxed sole – reduces plantar pressure under the forefoot and heel 
3. Ankle strap – ensures foot stays firmly in shoe, reducing friction/slippage of the foot inside the shoe 
4. Removable/Customisable insole – can be used to offload pressure from specific points of the foot 
5. Outsole with grip tread – enhances mobility by providing traction

Heel Off-Loading Shoes

Some wound shoes are specifically constructed to off-load pressure from the heel of the foot. By shifting weight to the mid and forefoot, the Darco HeelWedge promotes faster healing after surgery, trauma or when wounds or ulcerations are present on the heel.  

Forefoot Off-Loading Shoes

Working on the same principle as a heel off-loading shoe, a forefoot off-loading shoe is constructed in such a way that it reduces pressure in the forefoot region for wounding in that area. The Darco OrthoWedge effectively shifts body weight to the midfoot and heel with a 15° forefoot wedge sole.

Cast Shoes and Boots

For those particularly bulky bandages/dressings or fibreglass casts, patients will need a wound shoe with a design to match. The Darco Slimline Cast Boot features an adjustable forefoot closure and open toe so you can really expand the fit to deal with awkward dressings.

Wound Shoes for Diabetes

Wound shoes are also commonly used to treat diabetic foot sores. Diabetic patients are prone to developing foot ulcers because of the narrowing of blood vessels and reduced sensation associated with the condition. With the use of customisable insoles, wound shoes can offload pressure from the sores and encourage them to heal.

The Benefits of Using Wound Shoes

Wound shoes can provide the following major benefits for clinicians and patients during recovery from foot surgery, trauma or sores:

• Protects the foot and prevents further injury from occurring
• Offloads pressure from wounded areas of the foot, promoting healing
• Helps to maintain mobility
• Accommodates large casts or bandages

To find out more or make a purchase,  please visit our Post-Operative Wound Shoes area.