What is pressure?
Pressure can be described as the amount of force pushing on the foot during walking, activity or rest. Pressure is important because if the skin and tissues of the body aren’t able to accommodate or redistribute the pressure, then skin and tissue damage like callous and wounds to occur. To reduce the risk of pressure damage, you can reduce or offload the foot pressures with device or by elevating your foot.
Why is offloading needed?
Offloading transfers the weight from sensitive or painful areas and allows the pressure to be reduced or removed over a particular area. Offloading the foot is an important part of helping the skin and tissues to repair itself. If there is repetitive pressure, the wound will heal slower or may not heal at all.
Depending on the location of the wound, your age, level of activity and home environment, will depend what the podiatrist recommends. Sometimes you will be offered multiple devices, depending on your activities. Not all offloading devices are suitable for everyone so the podiatrist will recommend the most suitable one for you.
When should I use my offloading device/shoes?
Offloading devices should be worn as instructed by the podiatrist but usually the advice is to wear the device as much as possible when there is pressure put on your foot. This could be when you are walking, standing, lying down or sitting.
You can offload your feet by keeping the feet elevated while keeping the heels free from pressure.
Removable offloading devices
A removable device removes the pressure with each step and you are able to remove the device which may allow for you to be able to drive but please follow the podiatrist’s advice regarding this. This includes otoform devices, heels up, prafo, kerrapeds, DH walkers and removable casts.
Non-removable offloading devices
A non-removable devices remove the pressure but you are unable to remove the device.
This includes a Bohler walker, air cast or a plaster cast.
For further information or if you develop a problem with your feet, please contact your nearest podiatry clinic on
Carlisle – 01228 608020
Penrith – 01768 245628
Workington– 01900 705120
Whitehaven – 01946 68635
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For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302