Is It Time to Order Diabetic Shoes?

Dr. Anthony Spitz, DPM

Podiatrist & Ankle and Foot Surgeon located in Wheeling, IL

If you or someone you love is living with diabetes, then you likely already know that this condition means much more than just “giving up sugar.” The effects diabetes can have on your feet is also something to take into consideration when making your everyday decisions. From the foods you choose to eat to the way you treat your feet, managing diabetic symptoms is important.

This includes carefully choosing the shoes you put on your feet, too. And you might be wondering whether or not you need diabetic shoes. The short answer to that is: Anyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes should invest in appropriate diabetic shoes.

In fact, proper footwear is an essential part of any diabetic foot care plan. Why? Because fluctuating blood sugar levels commonly leads to decreased blood circulation, making it hard for your body to heal potential wounds. Not to mention the possibility of nerve damage (neuropathy), which means you will be unable to feel if there is something wrong in your feet in the first place.

Do you see where we’re going here? If you can’t feel your feet, then you are more likely to get hurt. And if you can’t heal from your injuries, then you will eventually develop an infection. And if an infection gets bad enough, then you might end up losing a limb.

That’s why, if you are living with diabetes, you should pay special attention to those lower extremities of your body. Make sure to check your feet and ankles every day for any unusual signs, wash them daily, dry them thoroughly, AND wear protective, comfortable, and appropriate diabetic shoes.

Of course, you should also schedule regular foot checks with Dr. Anthony Spitz to make sure your feet and ankles are doing well!

And if you notice any unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact our office immediately – addressing a problem at its early stages can mean the difference between having healthy feet and needing amputation.

What Exactly Are Diabetic Shoes?

Diabetic shoes are specifically designed to prevent the development of serious foot problems and reduce risks of skin breakdown commonly experienced by patients with diabetes.

These specialized footwears have to meet strict Medicare standards and be prescribed, as well as fitted by a certified podiatrist, shoe fitter or other qualified specialist. All diabetic shoes also have a removable orthotic insert. This combination of shoes and inserts is a perfect method of avoiding foot injuries and improving your quality of life.

Even better, many diabetic shoes now come in a variety of colors and designs. So you won’t have to worry about jeopardizing your stylish looks because of bulky, brown shoes that are unappealing (at best)!

But Wait … Diabetic Shoes Can Do Even More for You!

If you’re still unconvinced diabetic shoes are, indeed, the best choice for your diabetic feet, then let us fill you in on some more information.

Did you know that:

Diabetic shoes can prevent calluses? All diabetic shoes are equipped with an extra wide toe box that doesn’t let your toes rub against the top of the shoe. This prevents the development of corns and calluses.

Diabetic shoes can promote blood circulation? Diabetic shoes are designed and structured to fit the precise measurement of every patient, providing the best support and space without restricting circulation in the feet.

Diabetic shoes can advance level of comfort? Diabetic shoes offer better stability by properly distributing your weight across your feet. The comfortable inserts also absorb pressures, thereby reducing tension and helping fight fatigue in the feet and legs.

Diabetic shoes can relieve pain? Diabetic shoes provide great pain relief because of the quality of the material they are made of. They support your weight with each step and can help with swollen feet, which is a common symptom of those with diabetes.

Diabetic shoes can prevent skin breakdown? We already mentioned this, but patients with diabetes may feel numbness in their feet. Since there are no internal seams, diabetic shoes are designed to reduce the risk of skin breakdown and different types of blisters.

Diabetic shoes are more stylish than ever? We alluded to this earlier, but gone are the days of only one diabetic footwear style and two colors. There are many different shoes for many walks of life, from dressy to athletic to Velcro to more traditional ones. Really? Really.

So if you or someone you love is living with diabetes, make sure to look into a good pair of diabetic shoes. Not sure where to start? Well, come visit our Illinois office – we can help you today!

Dr. Spitz Provides Expert Diabetic Foot Care

Your best bet is to let the professionals do what they do best. When you come to our office, we can discuss your individual needs and concerns regarding footwear and diabetic foot care. We will make a recommendation based on our knowledge and experience with the disease, the sensation you have (or are missing) in your feet, any pain or discomfort you may have experienced, and any other concerns you might have.