Finding the Best Shoes for Elderly with Swollen Feet
As the Founder of Pandere Shoes, I have had lymphedema and dealt with swelling for my whole adult life. Swelling is miserable. It's painful, uncomfortable, and comes with a host of cascading health risks. This is why we started Pandere, to address a largely marginalized group of people from the footwear industry.
Finding suitable shoes for your patients or your parents with swollen feet can be a daunting task. The discomfort and pain caused by edema make it crucial to find footwear that provides both comfort and support. Achieving and sustaining mobility for seniors is critical to quality of life and maintaining the ability to accomplish daily activities.
We can help adult children or caregivers in their search for the best shoes for their loved ones. These recommendations are based sizing thousands of elderly folks online as well as on my own personal understanding of the challenges faced by those dealing with all types of edema. It's a heck of a problem!
Understanding the Frustrations of Dealing with Edema
What is Edema and Why is it so Hard to Find Shoes to Fit?
Edema is a condition characterized by the buildup of fluid in the body, leading to swelling in various parts, including the feet and ankles.
Edema is like the body's own water balloon party, making different parts, especially the feet and ankles, puff up. For older folks, it's definitely no fun and messes with anyone's daily groove. Swollen feet aren't just a pain, they're like a dance floor no one wants to be on, cramping style and knocking down self esteem.
Almost all orthopedic and pedorthic footwear is designed to accommodate Medicare's standards for diabetic footwear. Unfortunately these standards really conflict with the basic needs of people with swelling. We think our concept of shoe expansion works a lot better for people with swelling, than the Medicare standard of stiff shoes that don't customize to shape well.
Experiencing Loss of Feeling Comfortable, Fashionable, and Mobile
Swollen feet can make it challenging to find shoes that provide comfort. The constant pressure and tightness caused by poor-fitting footwear exacerbate the swelling and amplify the pain and discomfort associated with edema. Additionally, people with swollen feet often struggle to find good looking options that allow them to feel confident and fashionable. The limited choices available can lead to a a real battle over how someone feels about themselves. Elderly folks often have to face plenty of indignities as their abilities decline. Swelling may restrict mobility, making it difficult for elderly individuals to move around freely, not to mention get the shoes on in the first place! We don't think a decent looking pair of shoes should have to be sacrificed too.
The Importance of Proper Footwear
Wearing appropriate shoes is crucial for managing edema effectively. Shoes designed specifically for swollen feet offer features that allow each shoe to be customized to the individual needs of each foot. This can absolutely promote better foot health. Expandable shoes are particularly beneficial as they accommodate fluctuations in foot size throughout the day. Pandere, for example, provides significant volume expansion to ensure a comfortable fit even when dealing with swollen feet.
We get how annoying edema can be! We're all about feeling the struggles our loved ones go through and finding cool shoes that make them comfy, match their style, and keep them moving.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Shoes
Understanding the Needs of Swollen Feet
When selecting shoes for elderly individuals with swollen feet, it's important to understand their unique needs. Comfort is paramount, and factors like cushioning, arch support, and shock absorption play a crucial role in providing relief. Additionally, accommodating foot size fluctuations is essential as edema can cause significant changes in foot volume throughout the day. Look for shoes that offer adjustable features such as straps or stretch laces to ensure a customizable fit.
Choosing the Right Material and Design
The comfort and functionality of shoes for individuals with swollen feet are significantly influenced by their material and design. Incorporating stretchable fabrics is advantageous, promoting flexibility and accommodating swelling. Wide toe boxes play a crucial role in preventing constriction and pressure on sensitive areas. Additionally, opt for shoes featuring removable insoles to easily accommodate orthotics or additional padding as required.
Look for adjustable straps or stretch laces, facilitating easy adaptation to swelling fluctuations throughout the day. Elasticized panels or stretchable uppers ensure a forgiving fit that adjusts to changing foot sizes. A supportive sole with good traction is also vital for stability while walking.
Consider these factors when selecting shoes for elderly individuals with swollen feet to provide them with both comfort and functionality. This thoughtful approach enables them to navigate their daily activities with ease.
Tips for Selecting the Right Style and Size
Determining the Correct Shoe Size
To ensure a proper fit for elderly individuals with swollen feet, it's crucial to determine the correct shoe size. Pandere, a leading brand in shoes for swollen feet, recommends providing foot measurements before making a purchase. This can be done by measuring both the length and volume of the foot using a measuring tape. If foot lengths are more than 3/4ths inch different, it's a good idea to measure both feet.
For measuring instructions, please take a look at Pandere's comprehensive sizing page.
Choosing Stylish Options
While prioritizing comfort remains crucial when choosing shoes for swollen feet, it's equally important not to compromise on style. Pandere Shoes stands out as the expert in combining both comfort and style for individuals dealing with edema. Look to Pandere Shoes for a range of fashionable styles designed to cater specifically to those with swollen feet, ensuring a perfect blend of comfort and aesthetic appeal.
Explore Pandere Shoes' offerings, which include adjustable straps or closures like hook-and-loop fasteners, allowing for customization and accommodating swelling throughout the day. Opt for Pandere Shoe designs featuring wide toe boxes and stretchable materials for enhanced comfort. Additionally, choose from a variety of colors and patterns that not only reflect personal style preferences but also ensure versatility.
By adhering to these guidelines when choosing shoes for elderly individuals with swollen feet, you can discover Pandere Shoes options that seamlessly provide both comfort and style. This approach allows individuals to prioritize their specific needs while expressing their unique sense of style through their footwear choices.
Additional Remedies for Swollen Feet
Treatment for Lymphedema: Has your parent tried Manual Lymph Drainage yet?
If you're dealing with swelling and haven't tried any treatment yet, you might want to consider the magic of Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD). It's like giving your body a gentle, soothing massage that specifically targets the lymphatic system, which plays a key role in managing swelling. MLD helps to improve the natural flow of lymphatic fluids, reducing that swelling and promoting a sense of relief. It's like a little TLC for your body, encouraging it to find its balance and feel better. Every individual is different, but when swelling impacts one's ability to get a shoe on their foot, then MLD can make a tremendous improvement. Pandere Fit Specialists work with clinicians regularly and can often advise how much volume needs to be reduced in order to fit into one of our styles.
Using Compression Socks or Stockings
It goes without saying that compression is KEY for feeling better. If your patient or your parent isn't wearing compression socks or garments, it may be worth continuing to work with them to get something that feels ok. It's easy to want to throw the garments in the trash when they get very sore places from the garments. This may be solved by switching brands or getting a different size or continuing to work with your doctor or medical supply source.
Compression garments have come a long long way. The materials are much softer now than they used to be and there are many more materials available. Don't give up! That's the most important thing. Keep trying until you find the thing that can be worn every day.
Using Velcro Wrap Compression Systems
A Velcro wrap system is another type of compression device that can help minimize swelling for folks who have a difficult time putting compression garments on. These innovative systems allow somone to adjust the compression to their comfort level. By providing a secure and personalized fit, these wraps promote compression therapy, which is crucial for managing lymphedema and reducing swelling. With these wrap systems, individuals can take control of their compression therapy, experiencing both support and comfort as they work towards alleviating the challenges associated with lymphedema and swelling.
Using Compression Pumps
Pumps can also make a difference in easing pain for folks dealing with edema. Edema can be a real pain, causing discomfort and swelling, especially in the legs. Compression pumps use a rhythmic squeeze to help move fluids around and reduce that swelling. By boosting blood and lymphatic circulation, these pumps not only tackle the swelling but also help ease the associated pain.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to wearing appropriate footwear and using compression garments, certain lifestyle changes can help manage edema at home and reduce swelling. Here are some tips:
Elevate the legs: Encourage your loved ones to elevate their legs above heart level whenever possible. This helps promote better circulation and reduces fluid buildup in the lower extremities.
Stay active: Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking or swimming, can help improve circulation and reduce swelling. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any exercise regimen.
Watch sodium intake: Excessive sodium consumption can contribute to fluid retention. Encourage a low-sodium diet by reducing processed foods and adding more fresh fruits and vegetables.
Stay hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day helps maintain proper hydration levels and supports overall health.
Avoid prolonged sitting or standing: Encourage frequent movement or breaks when sitting or standing for extended periods to prevent fluid buildup.
By incorporating these additional remedies into the daily routine, individuals with swollen feet can experience improved comfort and reduced swelling. It's always important to consult a healthcare professional for severe or persistent edema to ensure proper management and treatment.
Further Actions and Recommendations
Consulting a Healthcare Professional
For anyone experiencing severe or persistent swelling in their feet, it is so important to seek medical advice. Consulting a healthcare professional, such as a primary care physician, podiatrist, or PT/OT/LMT can provide valuable guidance and ensure proper management of edema and help with decisions about footwear. These professionals have lots of experience and can share their experience and expertise which can make decisions easier going forward. Podiatrists can advise on both custom and over the counter orthotics, which can be enormously useful to someone with swelling.
Professional guidance is especially important if the swelling is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like pain, redness, or warmth. A healthcare professional can help determine if there are any underlying health conditions contributing to the edema and develop an individualized treatment plan.
The Wrap Up!
In conclusion, finding shoes that accommodate foot swelling is crucial for the comfort and well-being of elderly individuals dealing with edema. It's important to understand that they may be experiencing a loss of self-esteem and dignity as a result of not being able to fit into shoes they've become accustomed to wearing. By considering factors such as proper shoe size, suitable materials and designs, and stylish options, you can help your loved ones find footwear that provides both comfort and style.
Remember to explore additional remedies like compression socks or stockings and make necessary lifestyle changes to manage edema effectively. Consulting healthcare professionals and considering assistive devices can also provide further support in addressing this condition. By prioritizing their needs and seeking appropriate solutions, you can help improve their quality of life and alleviate the frustrations associated with swollen feet.