People who suffer from Diabetes know too well that their health is affected and can sometimes limit their physical activities and even day to day lives. Specifically, living with Diabetes has a direct effect on the feet and legs and special attention is required.
How Diabetes Affects the Feet:
- Diabetic neuropathy occurs in 60-70% off people with diabetes and tends to damage the nerves in your legs and feet causing you to lose feeling in them. This means you might not feel cuts or sores on your feet and when your feet get too hot or too cold, all which could lead to serious infections and complications. That’s why the best diabetic shoes are always seam-free, nonbinding and offer generous space for a comfortable and pressure free environment.
- Peripheral vascular disease causes your blood flow to slow down and prolong the healing time of sores and cuts. Non-healing sores and cuts may increase your chances of developing severe ulcers or gangrene which may lead to amputation.
These conditions can lead to common foot problems such as:
- Athlete’s foot
- Fungal infection of nails
- Calluses/Corns
- Blisters
- Dry skin
- Diabetic ulcers
- Ingrown toenails
- Plantar warts
Fortunately, most diabetic foot problems can be prevented and treated by wearing protective diabetic shoes, diabetic socks and by following a proper foot care routine.
What are the special features of diabetic shoes?
Diabetic shoes are specially designed shoes intended to offer protection for diabetic feet and reduce the risk of skin breakdown, primarily in cases of poor circulation, neuropathy and foot deformities.
Protective Interior: the interior of a diabetic shoe is made with soft material and with no protruding stitching, as sometimes even the smallest prominence can irritate and cause skin breakdown in a diabetic foot.
Non-Binding Uppers: the upper material of the shoe should be soft and with no overlays across the bunions to eliminate pressure points.
Stretchable Uppers: styles with stretchable uppers can provide extra protection since they conform to contours of the unique diabetic foot shape, and help ease pressure points.
Orthotic Support: diabetic shoes are designed with anatomical insoles that provide superior arch support, conform to the contours of the foot and reduce pressure on the bottom of the foot.
Extra-Depth Design: an extra depth design ensures a loose fit that does not apply pressure on the sensitive foot. Furthermore, the additional space allows one to insert diabetic insoles or custom orthotics easily and comfortably.
Deep Toe-Box: the tip of the shoe around the toe area is higher, offering extra room for the toes, including deformed toes such as hammertoes and creates a pressure free environment.
Multiple Widths: since a non-constricting foot environment is key, most people with diabetes should wear wider shoes than normal. Diabetic shoes are available in a variety of widths (at least three widths – Medium, Wide, Extra Wide) to improve fit and protection.
Functional Soles: diabetic shoes feature light weight soles with an ergonomic design that facilitates mobility and improves foot motion.
How to Take Care of Diabetic Feet
In addition to wearing the best diabetic footwear and insoles, there are a few simple guidelines to follow that will ensure your diabetic feet will be as healthy as possible.
- Inspect your feet carefully every day to make sure nothing new has surfaced. Check for blisters, redness, calluses, warts, ulcers. Establishing a daily routine will help you remember to check them each and every day!
- Your feet need a bath too! It is important to wash your feet every day. Just make sure to test the water temperature before you put your feet in. The temperature should be lukewarm to a finger touch.
- Do not expose your feet to extreme temperatures such as high heat or cold. This means not walking barefoot on sand or hot pavement and wearing socks when temperatures drop in the winter.
- Trim your nails regularly. Cut them straight across so they do not poke at the skin and create ingrown nails.
- Wear diabetic socks. Diabetic socks are especially designed for the diabetic foot and are constructed in such a way that protects the sensitive foot. Their unique design is seamless, nonconstricting and are made from super soft yarns to comfort the foot. Orthofeet offers a selection of diabetic socks made from soft bamboo fibers, terry padding and a moisture wicking system to keep feet cool, dry and comfortable.
- Wear diabetic insoles. The best diabetic insoles provide adequate arch support, thick protective cushioning and shock absorption for the neuropathic foot. These features ensure the delicate foot is fully protected from unnecessary ulcerations and other injuries and offers maximum comfort.
- Stay active as much as possible. Exercising will ensure adequate blood flow to your legs and feet.
- Visit your physician on a regular basis so that they can professionally and thoroughly check your feet.
And of course, if you notice something new or different than usual on your feet, don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment. Call your healthcare provider immediately to have it checked out. Article via. Pick Your Sandals.
