As a runner, I realize the tremendous difference the right pair of shoes makes on my performance as well as my comfort. But as a nurse – what about my patients who are not only living with their disease but also the effects the disease may have on their foot health? Are they wearing the right shoes to positively impact their own daily performance, safety, and comfort?

Diabetes, arthritis, gout, plantar fasciitis – you name it and our patients have to face a multitude of problems impacting their feet, which impacts their balance, gait, pain, and circulation. Helllloooo, safety concerns! Foot health can even affect ankle and leg health, as well. It’s that good ‘ole kinetic chain in which everything is linked and needs to be in alignment, working together. Therapeutic footwear, which protects and help correct feet problems, is prescribed by podiatrists and other providers to ensure patients get back on their feet – literally.

As nurses, we rarely assess patients’ shoes, socks, and shoe inserts, which can all be therapeutic. With the ever-increasing comorbidities among our patients, we should take the time to assess these details more thoroughly and advocate for our patients if we think therapeutic footwear will help with their safety and/or comfort.

Disclosure: This article is sponsored by www.drcomfort.com.