Convenience and maintenance of rehabilitation shoes with Velcro | column | 日常で気軽に実践できる片麻痺のリハビリ方法や機能を低下させない生活習慣などを解説

Safety is of utmost importance for shoes that are used daily by the elderly. In particular, nursing shoes must be able to prevent falls, be easy to put on and take off, and be stable when walking. As muscle strength and balance decline with age, even minor steps or slippery floors can cause falls. Falls are considered one of the main causes of fractures and bedriddenness among the elderly. To reduce these risks, rehabilitation shoes that use Velcro are highly regarded in the field.

The Velcro shoes are characterized by their ability to securely fasten the instep of the foot. Compared to lace-up shoes, they are easier to adjust the tightness, making them easier to fit people with swollen feet or bunions, and they can flexibly accommodate changes in foot size due to time of day or physical condition. In addition, because they are designed to be handled with one hand, even people with hemiplegia or reduced finger strength can put them on and take them off by themselves, which is one of the reasons why they are so useful in nursing care settings.

The use of non-slip soles also contributes to improved safety. Many nursing shoes use synthetic rubber non-slip soles that provide a strong grip regardless of the floor material. Indoor and outdoor models in particular use different outsoles with different patterns based on the type of floor material, which helps to reduce the risk of falls.

Another important point is the fit of the heel. If the heel is not held firmly in place, the shoe will easily come off while walking, leading to tripping and an unsteady gait. High-performance models use three-dimensional stitching that encases the heel and elastic padding at the opening to minimize wobbling while walking.

When choosing nursing shoes, the first step to preventing serious accidents is to check not only the appearance and price, but also how the safety structure is designed. It is necessary to choose a model provided by a reliable nursing product manufacturer and evaluate it comprehensively from multiple perspectives, such as anti-slip performance and fit.

The relationship between ease of putting on and taking off shoes and support for independence

For the elderly, being able to put on their own shoes means more than just a simple movement. It is a recovery of self-esteem and a big step towards maintaining an independent lifestyle. The biggest reason that Velcro is used in rehabilitation shoes is that they are designed from the perspective of supporting independence.

In fact, many patients undergoing rehabilitation for hemiplegia after a cerebral infarction have difficulty using both hands. With Velcro, patients can open and close shoes with one hand, and it is easy to adjust the strength of the straps, so in many cases they can put them on and take them off without assistance. This has led to patients in rehabilitation facilities having to practice putting on their own shoes as a daily routine, and the sense of accomplishment they get every time they put them on and take them off increases their motivation to recover.

In addition, in care at home, the time and effort required to assist with putting on and taking off shoes is reduced, which also reduces the burden on caregivers. In particular, there is the advantage that the time needed for assistance is reduced by eliminating the hassle of tying shoelaces when getting ready in the morning and evening. This is a major advantage not only in care facilities but also in home care situations, and is an important point that cannot be overlooked in the spread of care shoes.

The Velcro adjustment function makes it suitable for use with swelling or orthotics, and even people whose feet change size between morning and afternoon can adjust the fit with just one touch.

Rehabilitation shoes for everyday use by the elderly require more consideration than just appearance. Among these, the three most important factors are "foot width," "size adjustment," and "swelling prevention." Many elderly people are prone to foot swelling due to reduced blood flow and muscle strength in the lower limbs. Foot size can change by nearly 1 cm between morning and evening, and shoes with a fixed size design can easily cause strain and pressure.

Rehabilitation shoes with Velcro are an effective solution to this problem. The Velcro fastener allows the instep to be flexibly adjusted, making it easier to obtain a fit that matches the swelling. Wide-design shoes are especially recommended for elderly people whose feet tend to become wider, and designs that can accommodate bunions and orthotics are gaining a lot of support.

In addition, it is important to pay attention to the size of the opening and the shape of the opening. Many rehabilitation shoes have a large opening at the instep, and some can be put on simply by slipping your foot in.

Additionally, the width and fastening strength of the Velcro are also selection criteria. Cheaper ones have a small area of Velcro that can easily come loose while wearing. It is important to carefully check the structure of the hook-and-loop fastener according to the actual frequency of use and foot movement.

Addressing foot width and swelling is not just about comfort, but is an extremely important factor that is directly linked to "preventing falls," "walking stability," and "improving independence."

Differences in materials can be seen by comparing anti-slip properties, breathability, and durability

One of the factors that influence the comfort and safety of rehabilitation shoes is the "material". Although the choice of material is often overlooked, the quality of the material will be clearly determined by the actual daily activities and the rehabilitation environment. It is especially important to pay attention to the three points of anti-slip performance, breathability, and durability when selecting materials.

First, regarding anti-slip performance, the soles of shoes need to be treated with a rubber-based anti-slip coating to reduce slipperiness on hardwood or tile floors. Many Velcro shoes for rehabilitation have soles with unique patterns or a wide contact area, providing a high level of grip.

Next, regarding breathability, elderly people have physical characteristics that make it easy for them to sweat, but difficult for them to release sweat. If materials with poor breathability are used, the inside of the shoe will become steamy and bacteria will grow, which can cause skin problems and discomfort. To prevent this, mesh materials are often used, with structures that increase breathability for spring and summer, and synthetic leather or fleece materials with increased heat retention for autumn and winter.

Compare the differences in materials according to season and symptoms

The choice between a mesh type with high anti-slip performance and excellent breathability, and synthetic leather and heat-retaining materials suitable for winter, varies greatly depending on the living environment of the users. Selecting the right material for the weather and the facility's flooring is the key to long-term comfortable use.

A balance between women's design and functionality

When choosing nursing shoes for elderly women, they need something that looks both stylish and functional.

The first thing to look for is a wide design model that can accommodate the "width of the foot." Many female users suffer from swelling and bunions, so types that can accommodate a wide range of feet and have "adjustable hook-and-loop fasteners (Velcro)" are popular. If the structure is particularly flexible to fit the height of the toes and instep, you can wear them comfortably all day.

Next, the performance of the insole and sole, which affect comfort, is also important. For women, walking stability is likely to decrease due to muscle weakness and osteoporosis, so rehabilitation shoes with excellent "heel hold" and "toe flexibility" are recommended. Shoes with anti-slip properties and resilient soles also help reduce the risk of falling.

Furthermore, "design" cannot be ignored. Especially for fashion-conscious senior women, "ladies' Velcro platform sneakers" and "lightweight models with floral patterns" are popular. These models come in a wide range of colors, including "black," "pink," and "beige," so you can choose the one that suits your taste.

When making your final selection, it is important to carefully consider the situation in which you will be wearing them (indoors or outdoors), the user's physical condition, and muscle strength, and to choose a pair that suits you.

A functional pair of shoes for men that are both comfortable to wear and durable.

When choosing nursing shoes for men, the most important thing is "sturdiness" and "ease of putting on and taking off". For men who tend to have wide feet, standard sizes often do not fit, so features such as "foot width 4E or more" and "high instep design" are essential. In addition, durability and walking stability are also important when going out.

Next, it is important to check whether the sole has high "slip-resistant" performance and whether it uses a cushioning material with high resilience. Men are often heavier than women, so a structure that distributes the burden on the feet leads to stable walking. In particular, "anti-slip soles" that take into account rainy weather and frozen roads are essential.

In addition, the "durability" of nursing shoes is also an important criterion. If elderly men are going out or using them for rehabilitation, it is desirable to choose products that are designed to withstand long-term use, such as "materials that can withstand walking for more than 500 km" or "synthetic leather that is waterproof and stain-resistant."

How to properly care for and store Velcro to prevent deterioration

To maintain the performance of your Velcro tape, it is important to clean it regularly. We recommend that you follow the steps below.

1. Remove dust and lint: Use tweezers or a fine brush to remove any debris that may be trapped in the hooks, which will prevent them from losing their adhesive power.
   
2. Cleaning the surface: Gently brush the entire Velcro strip with a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt.
   
3. Remove moisture: After use, dry in a well-ventilated place in the shade to remove moisture. This will prevent mold from growing.

Storage method

Proper storage will help prevent deterioration of the Velcro.

• Ensure ventilation: Place dehumidifiers in shoe boxes and storage cases, and store shoes in places that are not humid.
  
• Prevent your shoes from losing their shape: Place a shoe tree or rolled up newspaper inside your shoes to help maintain their shape.
  
• Protects the Velcro: When not in use, prevents the Velcro from touching each other and prevents dust from accumulating.

Following these care and storage techniques will help extend the life of the Velcro straps on your rehabilitation shoes and keep them comfortable.

Guidelines for when to replace your appliance and tips to make it last longer

The lifespan of the Velcro straps in rehabilitation shoes and when to replace them will vary depending on how often they are used and the environmental conditions. Below are some general guidelines and some tips for making them last longer.

These are only guidelines, and if the adhesive strength of the Velcro weakens or you notice overall deterioration of the shoe, it is important to consider replacing your shoes as soon as possible.

Tips to make it last longer

• Regular cleaning: Follow the cleaning methods mentioned above regularly to maintain the performance of the Velcro.
  
• Proper storage: Store in a well-ventilated place away from moisture and direct sunlight.
  
• Post-use care: After use, dry the shoes and store them with the Velcro section closed.
  
• Have spares: Having several pairs of the same model of shoe and alternating between them will reduce the frequency with which you use each shoe and extend its lifespan.

By following these tips, you can extend the life of the Velcro on your rehabilitation shoes and maintain a comfortable fit for a long period of time.

The Velcro used in rehabilitation shoes has the important function of making them easier to put on and take off, and increasing the adhesive strength when walking. However, the more frequently they are used, the more likely their adhesive strength will weaken. Caution is required, especially when used daily at nursing care facilities or at home, as the adhesive strength will weaken and this can lead to falls or slippage.

Proper maintenance and storage are essential to prevent these types of problems. You can extend the lifespan of your hoodies by regularly removing dust and fuzz from the hook-and-loop fasteners and drying them in a well-ventilated place after wearing them. Also, if the velcro becomes worn out, some manufacturers offer replacement parts or repair services, so it's a good idea to inquire about this before buying a new one.

If you still need to replace your shoes, it is important to make a replacement plan based on the period and frequency of use. For example, if you use shoes more than five days a week, changing your shoes to one pair per year will help reduce your overall risk of falling and maintain walking stability. Even taking into account the price range of the shoes themselves, regular changes will also lead to long-term cost savings.

Rehabilitation shoes are not just footwear, but an important part of nursing care products that support walking. That's why you should not neglect the condition of the Velcro, and make it a habit to check and maintain it frequently. Correct knowledge and ingenuity are the first step to greatly change your daily comfort and safety.

Power Assist Series Supports Hemiplegia Rehabilitation - LAP Corporation

LAP Corporation has developed and provides the Power Assist Series to support rehabilitation at home for people with hemiplegia due to cerebral infarction or accidents. This series is a robot that uses air pressure to gently move paralyzed joints in the fingers, ankles, and wrists to assist rehabilitation training. It can be easily used at home, enabling continuous rehabilitation. The product lineup includes the Power Assist Hand for fingers, the Power Assist Leg for ankles, and the Power Assist Wrist for wrists, and is compatible with the rehabilitation of each part of the body. Through these rehabilitation assistance robots, we will contribute to the recovery of function and improvement of the quality of life of everyone.

LAP Co., Ltd.
address	2-1-40 Oikawa, Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, 243-0212
phone	046-204-9343

inquiry

Q. How long does it take for the Velcro on rehabilitation shoes to deteriorate?
A. It depends on the frequency of use and the storage environment, but if you wear it more than five days a week, the adhesive strength will likely start to decrease after about six months to a year. In elderly care facilities and home environments where dust and fiber debris are likely to accumulate, it is recommended that you brush and clean the product at least once a month. To keep using it for a long time, it is important to get into the habit of storing it in a well-ventilated place and cleaning it after use.

Q. If I have swelling or foot deformities, will Velcro type shoes be okay?
A. By choosing a wide design, stretch material, or a type with a wide upper opening, it will be easier to fit even when you have swelling or are wearing an orthotic. In particular, rehabilitation shoes with a width that can be adjusted from 3E to 5E and a design that allows full opening are easy to accommodate changes in foot size and are popular in medical settings. When purchasing products with such functionality, it is important to check whether they have a "compatible foot circumference" and "adjustment function."

Company name: LAP Co., Ltd.
Location: 2-1-40 Oikawa, Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, 243-0212
Telephone number: 046-204-9343