Healthcare Startup FootSecure Launches Prescription Footwear Making Unit in BLR

Established with an initial investment of INR 30 Lakh, the facility aims to provide custom-designed footwear to address various foot pathologies and biomechanics issues.

FootSecure, a Bengaluru-based healthcare startup specializing in podiatric medicine and wound care, has launched a prescription footwear manufacturing unit in collaboration with the Karnataka Institute of Endocrinology & Research.

Established with an initial investment of INR 30 Lakh, the facility aims to provide custom-designed footwear to address various foot pathologies and biomechanics issues.

Commenting on the same, Dr Ravi Kumar, cofounder of FootSecure, said, "Our goal is to provide affordable and effective solutions for foot health. By focusing on the specific needs of our patients, we can help prevent injuries and manage chronic conditions better."

Founded in 2018 in Bengaluru by Dr Sanjay Sharma, FootSecure aims to deliver holistic care encompassing preventive measures, wellness programs, diagnostics, therapeutics, orthotics, surgery, and rehabilitation, leveraging physical and digital channels.

Addressing Foot Health with Custom Solutions

FootSecure’s new facility offers six models, four for women and two for men, starting at INR 2000. Customizations include the outer sole, midsole, insole, and uppers, designed to offer stability, injury prevention, and comfort.

These features cater to patients with foot aches, diabetes, arthritis, congenital foot disorders, post-accident deformities, and post-surgical anomalies. The facility can produce up to 300 pairs of custom footwear daily.

The startup also introduced two digital platforms, Wound360 and Foot360, which provide healthcare providers with a comprehensive knowledge base and guidelines for diagnosing, treating, supporting, and rehabilitating patients.

Future Expansion Plans

FootSecure plans to expand its reach and introduce more innovative products and services.

By 2025, the startup aims to establish India’s first dedicated podiatry hospital and launch a new line of specialized therapeutic footwear designed in collaboration with medical experts from India and Australia.

"Our vision is to create a hub for podiatric excellence in India. By establishing a dedicated podiatry hospital, we can offer specialized care and further our research in foot health," said Dr Kumar.

Recent Happenings Around Foot Health

In a related development, a Chennai-based City hospital introduced an indigenous line of diabetic footwear to reduce the prevalence of foot ulcers among diabetes patients. Priced at INR 3,000, this locally developed footwear is significantly more affordable than imported alternatives.

Dr Vijay Viswanathan, head and chief diabetologist at M V Diabetes, emphasized the importance of this development.

"Foot ulcers are a major complication for older diabetes patients, leading to severe issues like peripheral arterial disease and deformities. Our indigenous footwear offers a cost-effective solution that is just as effective as imported versions," he explained.

Foot ulcers affect between 5% and 10% of diabetes patients, with the risk increasing with age and the duration of the condition.

"Affordable and effective footwear can play a crucial role in preventing these complications, improving the quality of life for many patients," Dr Viswanathan noted.

In October, researchers at IIT Delhi unveiled an affordable wearable pressure sensor designed to analyze gait and detect postural deformities. The flexible sensor, utilizing a nanocomposite material, offers a cost-effective solution for monitoring human movement and injury rehabilitation.

The device addresses prevalent postural deformities, such as splay foot, flat foot, unstable hind foot with protruding heels, high arches, and irregular gait. The research contributes to ongoing efforts to detect and address these widespread and debilitating challenges.

This initiative by the city hospital and the advancements in affordable healthcare technology underscore the growing focus on accessible solutions for common health issues.