What’s the use of a Post-op shoe?
  1. What is a Post Op Shoe?

Foot surgery is always severe because there are very few exercises that directly strengthen the feet. Hence post-surgery doctors oblige the patients to avoid walking so that the foot can get completely healed so that it can carry the weight of the body or undergo rehab as and when necessary. 

Once the patient is allowed to walk or undergoes a rehab program a Post-operative shoe is recommended by the doctors to facilitate the healing process and at the same time support and protect the foot during exercises and walking. 

Once the foot starts recovering there are lots of bandages and tapes on the injured foot all the time, hence the post-op shoe should be large enough to fit the patient’s foot along with the bandages. 

The shoes are specially made to open up easily and fit the foot in along with the bandages. The shoe acts as a “bumper” for the foot. The shoe has a very rigid sole in order to prevent the surgical site from moving and flexing as it can lead to further damage like trauma or can lead to excessive swelling. 

The Post Op Shoe is taller than our normal shoes, hence it’s advised to wear a shoe that has the same height as the Post Op shoe. If you wear a normal shoe, then it incites imbalance in your body which can lead to lower back pain. 


  1. Who should wear the Post Op Shoe? 

The post-op shoe is an imperative compression, safety, and protection for people recovering from broken toes, foot ulcers, various surgeries, and bandage/cast protection. These shoes are vital for geriatric and diabetic patients who have insensitive feet.  

Here is the list of issues where you need the Post Op Shoe: 

  1. Broken Bones

  2. Hammertoes

  3. Plantar Fasciitis 

  4. Lisfranc fractures

  5. Heel fractures

  6. 5th metatarsal fractures

  7. Morton’s Neuroma.  


  1. Reasons why people love this Post Op Shoe: 

  1. Wide Footbed and square Toe design: 

The Postoperative shoe has a very wide footbed meaning the breadth of the shoe is large and it is not a pointed toe shoe it is a square shape. This allows the shoe to provide extra support and protection to the injured leg of the patient especially preventing your toes from rubbing against each other or any other surface. 

  1. Rigid Sole and Non-skid tread: 

The rigid sole is important for the shoe in order to provide support and protection, however, it also supports your arch, which reduces pain and pressure on the forefoot, heel, and ankle during the recovery phase of the leg. 

Another benefit of the rigid sole is the promotion of natural Gait which is the most important factor in the human body, the sole allows one to take each and every step with ease and maintains the balance in the body. 

The non-slip traction provides extra stability while walking, making movements safer, easier and injury-free. 


  1. Adjustable straps: 

Normally there is only one strap in the shoe, but some shoes offer multiple straps which help in accommodating the surgical bulk of bandages, casts, swelling, etc. on the foot/toe

Immediately post-surgery you need to wear a loose shoe because of various bandages, but once the injury starts healing and inflammation reduces you can slowly tighten the straps of the shoe as per your comfort to prevent any further damage to the foot. 

  1. Low profile and lightweight: 

The weight of the shoe is the most important factor because if the shoe is too heavy it will damage the injured leg immensely, hence all the post Op shoes are made from lightweight materials. 

Though it is called a shoe, it’s more of a sandal because it’s open from all the sides, this allows the air to flow fully making it more breathable and comfortable to use.

Also even though the shoes are for medical use, they aren’t that bad, they look cool even if you wear them normally. 

  1. How should a patient wear a Post Op Shoe? 

  1. Settle down in one place and put your foot in the shoe comfortably. 

  2. Close the fabric or mesh sides over the top of the foot. 

  3. Now tighten the straps of the shoe. Don’t tighten them too much because tightening them too much would restrict blood flow. 

  4. Finally, get on your feet and start walking.


  1. Considerations after wearing the shoe: 

One can wear the shoe throughout the day or while walking, but make sure that you are checking your foot at least two times a day for any signs of swelling, or redness. There will be some sort of redness when you remove the shoe, but if it lasts for more than fifteen minutes or if the swelling is too much and you feel tingly, numb then it suggests that too much pressure has been applied so one needs to loosen the straps. 

Over a period of time, the swelling and redness from the injury will start disappearing until then one needs to be extremely careful. 

Though most of the Post Op shoes are made from anti-slip materials patients should be extremely careful when they are walking on wet surfaces. Due to the injury, the body weight is unequally distributed, and also the gait is hampered which results in an abnormal walking style.  

The doctor will often suggest you keep your Shoe on when you bathe, which is really important. Patients should cover the injured foot with plastic or any other protective material so that the water doesn’t reach the injury site. 

  1. When should a patient refer to a doctor? 

  1. The patient has pain or discomfort which is not going away

  2. The shoe is not fitting you correctly. 


Conclusion: 

If you want to know more about protective gear like a knee brace, or ankle support when you are recovering from an injury then please visit Ortho Tape.  Here you can find all the necessary protective equipment that one needs when he/ she is recovering from an injury.