Lipodema and Footwear: How Bespoke Shoes can provide comfort, support and relief
Lipodema is a chronic, progressive condition that affects the way fat is distributed within the body - typically resulting in painful, disproportionate fat deposits in the hips, buttocks, thighs and lower legs. While the feet are often unaffected by the fat accumulation, people with Lipodema still face unique challenges when it comes to footwear due to swelling, sensitivity, and mobility issues. For many individuals, standard footwear simply doesn’t fit - physically or functionally.
The team at Bill Bird Shoes can design and create footwear for you that can offer real, lasting relief and help improve everyday life for those living with Lipodema.
If you are suffering with moderate to advanced Lipodema or Lipolymphoedema, wearing compression garments or bandaging, finding it difficult to find shoes that fit and offer support which is leading to increased levels of foot fatigue, pain or causing changes to your walking then the team will be more then happy to discuss your footwear options and queries with you.
What is Lipodema?
Lipodema (not to be confused with Lymphoedema) is a disorder of fat distribution that almost exclusively affects women.
Some of the characteristics that are common results of the condition are symmetrical fat deposits on the legs (and sometimes arms), sparing the feet, painful or tender fat tissue, easy bruising, reduced mobility or heaviness in the limbs and swelling that worsens throughout the day.
Over time, lipodema may lead to secondary lymphoedema, causing swelling in the feet and ankles, making finding suitable footwear often even more challenging.
Initially the feet may appear unaffected, the changes to the leg shape, size and gait mechanics can make wearing standard shoes uncomfortable or even harmful.
Many common footwear issues include straps or laces digging into swollen or sensitive skin, difficulty finding boots that fit around enlarged calves and ankles, lack of foot support to accommodate compensatory gait patterns, skin irritation or pressure points from tight, ill fitting shoes.
Finding the right shoes or boots that can accommodate the anatomical differences and offers both comfort and support can often be challenging, the team at Bill Bird Shoes can help you, working with you to create custom footwear that is unique to all your specific needs.
How Bespoke Footwear helps people with Lipodema
Bespoke footwear is professionally tailored to your own specific measurements, accounting for your unique foot shape, size, gait and medical needs.
Custom shoes and boots are designed to fit you precisely, avoiding tight spots, pinching or rubbing on sensitive areas such as the ankle, heel and instep. For many people this can be the inclusion of their compression garments or bandages that they routinely wear as part of their treatment. We can allow additional depth and width to allow for these comfortably within the footwear.
Changes in your posture or walking caused by Lipodema may require specialised support and cushioning, Bespoke Orthopaedic Footwear with tailored cushioned inserts and profiled soles and heels to help you walk can also aid the distribution of weight more evenly, reduce strain and promote balanced, stable movement.
At Bill Bird Shoes the team can offer you stylish footwear that is both supportive and attractive, key design and manufacturing elements include extra-wide openings to help with limited movement, adjustable fastenings to allow for swellings, stretchy leather panels and gussets, deep toe boxes to prevent pressure and rubbing, soft giving leathers and designs with minimal seams to help prevent rubbing and chafing. Finished with supportive soles and heels our footwear is built to support your daily activity, providing long-lasting comfort and functionality, empowering you to feel good in your shoes.
Lipodema, support starts at the feet
Living with Lipodema presents daily physical challenges - but your shoes shouldn’t be one of them. With Bespoke Footwear you can experience the comfort, support and freedom of movement you deserve.
Tailored to your exact needs, custom shoes not only fit your feet but also support your lifestyle, treatment and well-being.
If you’ve been struggling to find footwear that works for you, it may be time to consider a solution designed specifically for you body. Step into comfort with bespoke footwear created for a life with lipodema.
If you would like any further help and advice please do not hesitate to contact the team at their Cotswold workshop on 01386 700855 or enquiries@billbird.co.uk