Diabetic Shoes
Why do you need Diabetic Shoes?
A common side effect of diabetes is "peripheral neuropathy," which
causes loss of sensation in the extremities. Ill-fitting shoes which
rub or pinch the feet excessively can lead to ulceration and foot injury,
simply because the diabetic does not feel the injury until
it is too late.
Properly
fitted diabetic shoes are very important in preventing such injuries.
Companies specializing in pedorthics -- the design of footwear and specialty
insoles to help alleviate and/or prevent foot pain and injury -- manufacture
special shoes and insoles for diabetics.
Diabetic shoes are often wider and deeper than regular shoes, to
make room for special diabetic insoles. Pedorthic insoles for diabetics are
generally custom made for the patient's feet, to ensure proper fit and minimize
rubbing and uneven weight distribution, preventing injury. It is also important
for a diabetic to have shoes with good air circulation, meaning a lot of diabetic
footwear features fabric or sandal-style uppers.
It is very important for a diabetic to have their shoes custom fitted by a
trained professional, since they may not be able to feel an improper fit,
due to peripheral neuropathy. By ensuring proper fit and good air circulation,
properly designed diabetic shoes and insoles prevent pressure ulcers, encourage
good blood circulation, and allow the skin to breathe.
Some things to look for in good shoe designs for diabetics are:
- Diabetic Shoes need to have a breathable construction - sandals and fabric shoes are good for this.
- Deep and wide designs that allow room for custom pedorthic insoles.
- Designs with no interior seams (or covered seams) to prevent
rubbing injurie.s - Diabetic Shoes need a roomy "toe box" to prevent pinching or squeezing of the toes.
- Elastic or easily adjustable fit, to prevent the
diabetic shoe from sliding around on the feet.
Shoes and custom insoles which are specially designed to meet the needs of diabetics' feet will often be partially or fully covered by Medicare or private insurance, offsetting the cost of the customization.
See also:
Diabetic Footcare
Diabetic Socks
Follow this link for details on suppliers of diabetic
shoes
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