|
|
 |
| |
Shoes for Diabetics
Wearing Special Shoes for Diabetics Can Help Ease Diabetic Foot Problems |
| |
Shoes for diabetics can greatly help ease foot problems related to diabetes. Diabetes, a systemic disease resulting in an elevated blood sugar level, affects approximately 16 million Americans. Many complications are associated with diabetes, primarily vascular and neurological. But diabetes can also result in many diabetic foot problems, so sufferers need to wear special shoes for diabetics.
|
| |
| Relieving and Preventing Diabetic Foot Problems with Shoes for Diabetics |
| |
If you have a diabetic foot, follow these tips to avoid infection:
DO:
- Inspect your feet daily for blisters, bleeding and lesions between the toes. Use a mirror to examine the bottom of your feet as well.
- Wear therapeutic shoes for diabetics and/or insoles, orthotics and other diabetic products.
- Wear shoes for diabetics that have a high and wide toe box.
- Wear shoes for diabetics that fit well and protect your feet.
- Wear conforming removable insoles in your shoes for diabetics.
- Wear seamless diabetes socks and stockings along with your shoes for diabetics to keep moisture away from your feet.
- Use diabetic foot cream – just not between the toes.
- Use bed cradles to reduce the weight of heavy bedding on your diabetic foot.
- Diabetic skin care is important! Wash your feet daily with warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Trim your toenails carefully, straight across, and do not gouge into the corners.
DONT:
- Don’t excessively soak your diabetic foot… especially in hot water.
- Don’t use hot water bottles or heating pads on your feet
- Don’t use acids or chemical corn removers on diabetic feet.
- Don’t perform “bathroom surgery” on corns, calluses or ingrown toenails.
- Don’t smoke.
|
| |
| What to Look for in Support Footwear and Shoes for Diabetics |
| |
Shoes for diabetics and other support shoes should have the following characteristics:
- A firm heel counter
- A wide enough toe box to accommodate toes without pinching them
- A semi-rigid or rigid shank
- A removable inner sole
- A long vamp
- A heel measuring between ¾ - 1½ inches
Read labels carefully: Some support shoes are not made for diabetics!!!!
Other features to consider in good shoes for bunions and other support shoes include:
- A padded collar and tongue to protect sensitive areas, reduce irritation and secure the fit.
- A rubber outsole to aid with slip resistance.
- Interchangeable, removable insoles to aid with perspiration problems and accommodate orthotics.
- Velcro® to provide good closure.
- A plastizote foam lining that molds to the foot to reduce pressure points and provide customized comfort and protection.
- A firm compression EVA midsole.
- A flared outsole to enhance foot stability.
- A polyurethane rocker sole to reduce ball-of-foot pain and absorb shock.
- Breathable leather upper.
|
| |
| Tips for Buying New Shoes for Diabetics |
| |
- If you need shoes for diabetics or other orthopedic footwear, never go out to buy new shoes for diabetics first thing in the morning. The feet swell as the day goes on, and your shoes for diabetics need to accommodate this added size.
- Always break in new shoes for diabetics at home on carpeting.
- Do not expect typical shoes to stretch. If the shoe does not fit, do not wear it. You should have a thumb-length space at the toe end of the shoe beyond the longest toe.
See your podiatrist on a regular basis, and contact one to see what type of shoes for diabetics are right for you.
Information on foot, leg and lower body health conditions provided by The Podiatry Institute, dedicated to advancing the standard of care in podiatric medicine and its effects on muscoskeletal health. |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|