Diabetic footwear – best preventive to sensible diabetic feet

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Ortostep and Orto-A are intended to develop semi orthopaedic shoes, designed especially for certain deformity or foot condition. Semi orthopaedic approach means using all technical know-how and materials from custom made orthopaedic production, but the difference is that production is not done individually, pair by pair, instead bigger quantities in serial may be produced at once. This procedure gives better price for end-users, bigger production quantities, and lower cost per produced unit. Also, because of semi-orthopedic nature, this product can be modified, according to patients needs, measurements and customised in several areas, to ensure perfect individual fit and protection. The poor metabolism of people with diabetes can lead to irritation and damage. Tingling, numbness and insensitivity to temperature on the feet can result in the failure to notice pressure sores and other wounds, and if these become inflamed and lead to ulcers, we talk about diabetic foot syndrome. This condition is difficult to control because the body’s ability to heal wounds is reduced by the poor metabolism of people with diabetes in addition to circulatory disorders in the legs. The risk of new wounds increases, and treatment becomes increasingly difficult and more complex. In the worst cases, all that can be done is to amputate the affected area of the foot. Prevention plays a decisive role in this regard. People with the disease can take action against such an undesired associated condition: daily foot checks, perhaps with the help of relatives, and choosing the right footwear. These are two of the most important measures to reduce risk. The results of a clinical study carried out at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf are among the evidence that shows how suitable ‘diabetic shoes’ can contribute to the prevention of foot issues. Some of the patients wore normal footwear while others used the special diabetes shoes. The results indicated that the rate of ulcer recurrence in the first year was reduced by 80% among patients who wore special diabetes shoe. Almost 1 million Hungarians suffer from diabetes and there might be hundreds of thousands who have not been diagnosed yet. In Croatia there are 300.000 people with diabetes. Annual cost of treating diabetes in Croatia is 650 mil Euro (approx. 20% of Croatian health insurance budget), from which 80% is used for treating complications. Diabetic foot complications are; amputations, prosthetic legs, death, hospital days, sick leaves, early retirements and many more. The jointly developed diabetic shoe will be the 1st on the market focused primarily on prevention, and with added feature to partly modify to patients needs. The diabetic shoe will relieve pain, reduce amputations, meet the care needs of people with diabetes, create comfort, protecting feet and its mobility and let people enjoy life regardless of their health problem. Ortostep is a company who has experience mainly in serial production of shoes, while Orto-A is specialized in custom made shoes. In order to develop the new semi-custom made shoes, expertise from both companies is needed. Jointly the companies will be engaged in defining technical parameters, development, production and testing, marketing and promotion. During the technical planning process Orto-A is required to collect a substensive amount of samples, through a labour intensive one-on-one basis as well as remotely, from client's feet with the new equipment, in order to have enough to define the standardisation procedure for the shoe insoles. Once the date is collected, the companies will engage in a collaborative meeting where they analyse outcomes and define parameters of the product. Ortostep will develop the diabetic shoe itself including the outsole and design, while Orto A will develop custom made orthopaedic insoles, and the shoe last for this product. Key product features that has to jointly be developed are: 1. Anatomical last must be developed to provide width and space in shoes in case of swelling feet. 2.Between the upper and the lining, soft material must be inserted for comfort and foot protection. 3. Shoe upper must be raised to 15 mm, and enable insertion of orthopedic insole into the shoe. 4. Special soft cushioning built in in the collar and the tongue of the shoes. 5. rear part of the shoes must have reinforced counter heel to improve stability of the feet. 6. Soft orthopaedic insole reduces pressure points on the foot. It can be removed and ventilated, or replaced by individually made orthopedic insole. 7. Two layer antibacterial and breathable lining provides optimal microclimate for the foot. 8.The outer sole for even pressure distribution under the foot. 9. The front of the shoe must be broad and high to ensures enough space for the toes. 10. Wide opening for easier entrance of foot in the shoe.

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