What role does circulation play in the evaluation for therapeutic shoes?

Circulation plays a crucial role in the evaluation for therapeutic shoes, as it directly impacts a patient’s foot health and the potential for complications such as ulcers or wounds. Assessing circulation allows practitioners to understand how well blood is flowing to the feet. When circulation is compromised, patients are at higher risk for skin breakdown due to insufficient blood supply, which can lead to increased pressure points and foot injuries.

Understanding circulation helps determine the need for pressure relief in therapeutic shoe fittings. If circulation is inadequate, special attention must be given to pressure distribution, potentially requiring specific designs or materials that will alleviate pressure on vulnerable areas of the foot. This ensures that the shoes not only fit well but also provide necessary protection and support for those with impaired circulation.

The other options do not reflect the importance of circulation in the determination of therapeutic shoe needs, as it is a fundamental consideration rather than something that can be disregarded or only evaluated post-treatment.