21 Shoe Design Principles for People with Third Degree Deformity
Channel: Orthopedic Shoe Making
Date: 2019-05-01

A Third Degree Deformity is a condition where the foot has become fixed in the shape that it is and has to be left in that shape because to change it would be painful. Sometimes a small amount of correction is possible, but not full correction.

Bill Bird identifies 4 general areas that cause Third Degree Deformities:
• Congenital eg. Equino-Varus Talipies (Club Foot)
• Accident: Road Traffic and Industrial Injuries eg. leg length discrepancies
• Acquired or Wear and Tear Deformities eg. bunions or swollen joints
• Systemic Disease: eg. rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes

Third Degree Deformities produce a huge variety of foot shapes and bespoke orthopedic footwear is essential. 

Two Factors for Shoe Design
• The shape of the last for the shoe fit
• The prescription of the shoe