Podiatry or chiropody felt is a commonly used padding material that is cut to size to get the pressure of areas that are painful.
Podiatry felt is a specialized material used in podiatry and foot care to provide cushioning, padding, and pressure relief for various foot conditions. It is a soft and pliable fabric made from compressed wool fibers, and it is commonly used by podiatrists and foot care specialists for both therapeutic and protective purposes.
Common uses of podiatry felt:
- Pressure relief: Podiatry felt can be used to alleviate pressure and friction on specific areas of the foot. It can be cut and shaped into pads or cushions that are applied to areas where there is excessive pressure or rubbing, such as bunions, corns, calluses, and areas affected by foot deformities.
- Offloading: In cases of foot ulcers, wounds, or areas of the foot that require offloading, podiatry felt can be used to create customized padding to relieve pressure and promote healing. The felt can be strategically placed around the affected area to redirect pressure and reduce the risk of further damage.
- Corrective support: Podiatry felt can also be utilized to provide support and correction for foot alignment issues or structural abnormalities. By applying felt wedges or pads in specific locations, podiatrists can help adjust the position of the foot and improve gait mechanics.
- Blister prevention: Podiatry felt can be used to prevent blisters by reducing friction and rubbing on vulnerable areas of the foot. By placing felt pads on high-friction areas, such as the heel or toes, the likelihood of developing blisters can be minimized.
- Orthotic modification: Podiatrists may use podiatry felt to modify or fine-tune orthotic devices (shoe inserts) to improve their fit, cushioning, or pressure redistribution properties. By adding felt padding or adjustments to the orthotic, specific areas of the foot can receive targeted support or relief.
Podiatry felt is a versatile material that can be easily shaped, trimmed, and applied to meet the individual needs of each patient. It is typically applied by professionals, but some pre-cut and adhesive-backed felt products may be available for self-application. If you have specific foot concerns or conditions, it is best to consult with a podiatrist or foot care specialist for proper assessment and guidance on the use of podiatry felt or any other foot care products.