Everyday Orthotics · Diabetic feet
Custom Orthotics for Diabetic Feet
Protection first, for feet at risk.
Diabetes can affect the nerves and circulation of the feet. Reduced sensation means areas of high pressure or friction may go unnoticed, and reduced circulation can slow healing, increasing the risk of calluses, blisters and ulceration.
For patients with diabetic feet, we commonly prescribe the Theracare Soft, an accommodative device with high shock absorption designed to reduce pressure and shear beneath the foot. It is prescribed as part of regular diabetic foot care with our Registered Chiropodists.
Book an Orthotic AssessmentBring the footwear you wear most often, including any extra-depth or therapeutic shoes, to your appointment.
What the diabetic foot needs
Rather than correcting foot motion, the priority is protection: spreading load across the widest possible area and cushioning prominent areas of the foot that are vulnerable to repeated pressure.
Support
A total-contact, semi-flexible shell shaped to your foot increases the area of contact, reducing peak pressures at the heel, metatarsal heads and other prominent areas.
Alignment
Control is deliberately kept low. The device accommodates the shape of the foot rather than forcing it into a new position, which can create pressure elsewhere.
Cushioning and efficiency
PPT and slow-recovery foam absorb shock and reduce shear forces, which are associated with skin breakdown in the insensate foot.
Evidence
What the research indicates
Orthotic research continues to develop, and individual responses vary. We base our prescriptions on your assessment and use published evidence to guide, rather than overstate, expected outcomes.
- A systematic review of insoles for the neuropathic diabetic foot found that custom-made insoles can reduce plantar pressure, while noting that evidence for preventing ulceration specifically remains limited.
- International guidelines from the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot recommend appropriately designed footwear and insoles for people with diabetes at risk of foot ulceration, alongside regular professional foot care.
- An orthotic is not a substitute for regular foot checks. An existing wound requires assessment and specific offloading, which your chiropodist will arrange.
Selected references
- Paton J, Bruce G, Jones R, Stenhouse E. Effectiveness of insoles used for the prevention of ulceration in the neuropathic diabetic foot: a systematic review. Journal of Diabetes and its Complications, 2011.
- Bus SA, Armstrong DG, Crews RT, et al. Guidelines on offloading foot ulcers in persons with diabetes (IWGDF 2023 update). Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews, 2024.
Technical specifications
How the device is built
The Theracare Soft is an accommodative device intended for extra-depth and therapeutic footwear. Your chiropodist adjusts materials, posting and shell rigidity according to your assessment, body weight and level of activity.
Theracare Soft
Control level LowLab standard description
- Semi-flexible Toprelle shell
- Low control
- High shock absorption to help protect against ulceration caused by pressure and shear
- PPT and slow-recovery foam top cover
- Intrinsic rearfoot posting with EVA arch filler
- Heel seat depth of 3/8 inch (approx. 9.5 mm)
This is an example only. The actual design and materials of your device will be based on your chiropodist’s assessment.
Applications
Extra-depth, diabetic and therapeutic footwear for feet at risk of pressure injury.
Recommended footwear
The right therapeutic shoes matter
An orthotic performs best in footwear with appropriate structure, depth and fit. Your chiropodist can advise on suitable footwear, and we can order select models through our footwear service.
Diabetic feet: common questions
Related orthotic services
We direct-bill most extended health plans.Billing details
Bring your footwear. Start with an assessment.
Meet with our Registered Chiropodists to discuss your feet, your daily activities and your footwear, and whether a custom orthotic is appropriate for you.
3305 Harvester Road, Burlington, Ontario L7N 3N2