Shoes patients won’t “tire” of

21.07.2011- An inexpensive and locally sourced solution for orthopaedic patients.

“NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION,” says an old adage.  Certainly that is true in the physiotherapy department onboard the Africa Mercy.

When orthopaedic patients have casts put on their legs, they can’t wear traditional shoes – but neither can they go barefoot.  The ship’s Rehabilitation Team has found an inexpensive, locally sourced solution: tire shoes!

Local day volunteer Anama Latta makes the sandal-like shoes from old motorbike tires. Lengths of polypropalene ribbon become ties. These shoes are stronger than other footgear with better protection on the sides of the foot. Anama says, “As a child in Togo, I myself wore shoes like these to go to my father’s farm.  They last and protect better than flip-flops. Patients can walk easily in them and their cast will not get wet.”