Edema shoes are a specific type of footwear designed to ease the discomfort of swelling and skin sensitivity that typically accompanies a medical condition called edema. The shoes usually are oversized, made of soft material and can be fastened with adhering strips, such as Velcro®, or loosely laced. The two general kinds of edema shoes are manufactured both for men and women and for indoor and outdoor uses.
The swelling and sensitivity that indicates edema occurs when the body begins to retain excess fluid caused by gravity drawing the fluid to a given pocket in the body. Edema can occur almost anywhere in the body. For example, fluid on the brain is called cerebral edema, pulmonary edema affects the lung’s blood vessels, and edema can result as a reaction to surgery, which often affects the foot or ankle and requires edema shoes.
The shoes come in two general categories. There are slippers, designed primarily for indoor use, which resemble traditional house shoes but are larger to fit comfortably over swollen areas. The second category resemble traditionally-styled footwear for work and everyday use. In men's styles, these typically resemble loafers and lace-up shoes. The shoes also are available for women as flats and slip-ons.
Edema slippers often feature a thick, padded interior lined with fleece or a fleece-like synthetic material. Exteriors often are made of quilted material or a durable synthetic. The shoes typically have a rubberized soul to prevent slipping and generally are machine washable. Work shoes also have padded interiors but often have leather exteriors and thick, durable soles, usually rubber. Both types of edema shoes come in a wide variety of colors.
Both the slipper style and more traditional style of edema shoes are oversized to accommodate a swollen foot and are deeply padded. There usually are two side flaps and a tongue each of which can be bent back to create a wide top opening, which makes it easier to insert the foot. In some styles, the shoes open in back or are backless so the wearer can easily slide the foot in. Both the top and back openings are closed with adjustable straps or laces.
Edema shoes also come in a boot shape, which is designed for those suffering with ankle edema. In addition to the features mentioned above, the padded material at the back of these shoes tops out about mid-ankle. This additional material can provide support and protect sensitive, affected skin.
