Most people rarely think about their feet unless pain begins to interfere with daily life. A slight heel pain while getting out of bed, tired legs after standing for long hours, recurring knee discomfort, or a nagging backache are often brushed aside as part of ageing or routine fatigue. But experts say the problem may sometimes begin much lower down — with the footwear we use every day.
According to Dr. E. Kowsalya, consultant physiotherapist at Chennai-based diabetic foot care clinic Happy Walk, improper footwear can quietly affect posture, walking patterns, and long-term joint health. Happy Walk, whose first branch was started in Coimbatore, has been functioning for the past five years and focuses on customised orthopaedic and diabetic footwear solutions.
“The feet are the foundation of the body,” says Dr. Kowsalya. “If there is imbalance in the feet because of flat feet, reduced arches, or very high arches, the pressure distribution changes. Over time, this affects not just the feet, but also the knees, lower back, and even the neck.”
She explains that many people continue living with discomfort without realising their footwear may be contributing to the problem. Prolonged use of footwear without proper support can gradually lead to thickened skin, calluses, heel pain, toe deformities, poor posture, and strain on the joints.
“People usually seek help only when the pain becomes severe,” she says. “But anyone who experiences regular foot discomfort, heel pain, knee strain, or difficulty standing and walking for long periods should consider getting their feet assessed.”
While customised footwear was once associated mainly with serious medical conditions, experts say it is now helping a wide range of people — from diabetics and senior citizens to young professionals and athletes.
For diabetics, proper footwear can be life-changing. Reduced sensation in the feet, delayed wound healing, and poor circulation make even a small cut or pressure point potentially dangerous.
“Foot care is extremely important for diabetic patients,” says Dr. Kowsalya. “Regular nail trimming, moisturising the feet properly, checking for cuts or wounds, and wearing the right footwear can help prevent ulcers and complications.”
Rajesh, 58, understands this all too well. Managing a diabetic foot ulcer became one of the most stressful experiences of his life. After his wound healed, doctors advised him to switch to specialised footwear to avoid recurrence.
Using a 3D scanner to identify pressure zones in his feet, customised diabetic footwear was created with soft lining and special support.
“I’ve been ulcer-free for more than a year now,” he says. “Earlier I was constantly worried about wounds returning. Now I can walk comfortably without fear.”
For 62-year-old Meenakshi, who lives with Charcot foot — a condition that changes the shape and stability of the foot — even basic movement had become difficult.
“Normal footwear caused pain and skin damage,” she recalls. “I stopped feeling confident while walking.”
After shifting to customised orthopaedic footwear, she says daily life became easier again.
“I can now walk safely around my home and even spend time in my garden comfortably,” she says.
Younger people too are increasingly recognising the importance of foot health.
Karthik, 31, had struggled with flat feet since childhood. Long hours of standing left his legs feeling heavy and exhausted.
“I always thought it was normal tiredness,” he says. “But after getting customised arch support, my posture improved and the fatigue reduced significantly.”
Similarly, Priya, 45, who suffered from plantar fasciitis, remembers dreading her first step every morning because of severe heel pain.
“It felt like stepping on a sharp nail,” she says. “I tried many insoles and remedies, but nothing really helped.”
Customised footwear designed specifically for her walking pattern gradually eased the pressure on her heel.
“Within weeks, the pain reduced dramatically,” she says. “It made everyday movement comfortable again.”
Athletes too are paying closer attention to biomechanics and foot alignment. Marathon runner Arjun had been dealing with repeated shin splints that disrupted his training schedule.
“A gait analysis showed I was over-pronating while running,” he says. “The customised insoles improved my alignment and shock absorption. I’ve had fewer injuries since then.”
Dr. Kowsalya says proper footwear is especially important for senior citizens because years of walking with incorrect posture or unsupported feet can eventually affect mobility and balance.
“As people age, even small corrections in support and posture can improve comfort and confidence while walking,” she explains.
As awareness around preventive health grows, experts believe foot health deserves far more attention than it currently receives. Often, recurring knee pain, back strain, or posture-related discomfort may not begin where the pain is felt — but from the way the feet are supported every day.
Customised orthopaedic footwear, experts say, is not about luxury or fashion alone. Increasingly, it is becoming an important part of pain management, diabetic care, mobility, posture correction, and long-term joint health.
