Wearing diabetic shoes help to keep feet healthy by reducing the amount of constriction and friction. Healthy tissue needs circulation and a pair of comfort shoes allows blood to flow. Diabetic shoes have plenty of room in the toes which prevent foot fungus and ulcers from friction. Most Diabetic Shoes also come with insoles for proper support and cushion. This allows for the person who wears the shoes to be much more comfortable though out the day.
While the sticker price of diabetic shoes may seem higher than some other shoes, they can in fact still be quite affordable. This makes good sense as the cost of wearing these kinds of shoes far outweighs the risks of not wearing them and the potential health problems that can arise down the line.
Diabetic Shoes can offer considerable benefits. Here is a look at what these are:
No more Calluses – One problem that often affects people is Calluses. If Calluses are not properly trimmed they can become pretty thick and can result in ulcers.
Eliminate Foot Ulcers – If you wear shoes that do not fit properly you can get foot ulcers. These ulcers are usually seen on the foot’s toes or on the ball of the foot. Lack of treatment for foot ulcers can lead to heavy infections and it could lead to a situation wherein you have to lose your feet completely. By wearing Diabetic Shoes, you get proper fitting shoes, which protect your feet from ulcers and can help prevent them from forming on your feet.
Avoid Scratches and Pinches – When you wear Diabetic Shoes, you can avoid the problem of scratches and pinches in your feet as they feel comfortable and they are well protected by the material of the shoe.
Have Better Foot Comfort – When you wear poorly fitting shoes, blood circulation is low. By wearing Diabetic Shoes, you have better foot comfort and hence blood circulation problems can be minimized.
Better Air for your Feet – Diabetic Shoes are designed to give more air to your feet. They are made out of fabric, which allows your skin to breathe. This means no more clammy feet. When your feet are clammy with sweat they are more prone to injuries. You can avoid this problem by wearing Diabetic Shoes.
The Importance of Diabetic Shoes if you have Diabetes
When you have diabetes every choice you make is important to your heath, including which shoes you choose to wear. Diabetes can affect the foots natural healing ability making it more difficult to recover from cuts, scrapes and scratches on the foot. Diabetic shoes can protect your feet much better than other types of shoes.
Diabetics have an increased risk of foot problems due to the nerve damage and circulation problems that often occur because of diabetes. When someone without diabetes injures his foot, pain alerts him to the injury. A diabetic with nerve damage or poor circulation may not realize he has injured his foot, which increases the risk of infection, ulcers and other foot damage. Diabetic shoes help diabetics protect their feet and reduce the risk of serious complications.
As with any illness, taking proper care of yourself is essential. Wearing shoes specifically designed for your health condition is of vital importance. Understand the benefits of wearing diabetic shoes, and lessen the possibility of foot problems.
Accidental Injuries. Failure to wear diabetic shoes usually leads to unnecessary foot injuries in people with diabetes. Diabetes causes the feet to become numb. As a result, it is common for a diabetic person to unknowingly sustain a foot injury, which will lead to more complications if left untreated. Wearing diabetic shoes provides the extra protection your feet need.
Helps Blood Circulation. Diabetics often experience poor circulation in their feet because of tight or improper fitting shoes. Diabetic shoes will fit correctly since they are specifically designed for individuals with diabetes. They also provide the added benefits of better support, more comfort, and durability. In addition, diabetic shoes allow the feet to breathe.
Prevent Calluses and Foot Ulcers. Calluses and foot ulcers are a common ailment for diabetics not using diabetic shoes. The improper fit of regular shoes rubbing against the feet lead to calluses that ultimately develop into foot ulcers. These sores can become infected further damaging the health of the feet. Wearing diabetic shoes will keep this from happening.
Simple daily footcare can prevent serious problems. According to the National Institute of Health, the following simple everyday steps will help prevent serious complications from diabetes:
Take Care of Your Diabetes Make healthy lifestyle choices to keep your blood sugar close to normal. Work with your health care team to create a diabetes plan that fits your lifestyle characteristics.
Check Your Feet Every Day You may have foot problems that you may not be aware of. Check your feet for cuts, sores, red spots, swelling, or infected toenails. Checking your feet should become part of your daily routine. If you have trouble bending over to see your feet, use a plastic mirror to help. You can also ask a family member to help you. Important Reminder: Be sure to call your doctor immediately if a cut, sore, blister, or bruise on your foot does not heal after one day.
Wash Your Feet Every Day Wash your feet in warm, NOT HOT, water. Do not soak your feet because your skin will get dry. Before bathing or showering, test the water to make sure it is not too hot. You should use a thermometer or your elbow. Dry your feet well. Be sure to dry between your toes. Use talcum powder to keep the skin dry between the toes.
Keep the Skin Soft and Smooth Rub a thin coat of skin lotion or cream on the tops and bottoms of the feet. Do not put lotion between your toes, because this might cause infection.
Wear Shoes and Socks At All Times Wear shoes and socks at all times. Do not walk barefoot, not even indoors. It is extremely easy to step on something and hurt your feet. Always wear seamless socks, stockings, and nylons with your shoes to help avoid the possibility of blisters and sores developing. Be sure to choose seamless socks that are made of materials that wick moisture away from your feet and absorb shock and shear. Socks made of these materials help keep your feet dry. Always check the insides of your shoes before putting them on. Make sure the lining is smooth and there are no foreign objects in the shoe, such as pebbles. Wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet.
Protect Your Feet From Hot and Cold Always wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Put sunscreen on the tops of your feet for protection from the sun. Keep your feet away from radiators or open fires. DO NOT use hot water bottle or heating pads on your feet. If your feet are cold, wear seamless socks at night. Lined boots are good to keep your feet warm in the winter. Choose socks carefully. DO NOT wear socks with seams or bumpy areas. Choose padded socks to protect your feet and make walking more comfortable. In cold weather, check your feet often to keep your feet warm avoid frostbite.
Keep the Blood Flowing to Your Feet Put your feet up when you are sitting. Wiggle your toes for 5 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day. Move your ankles up and down and in and out to improve blood flow in your feet and legs.
DO NOT cross your legs for long periods of time.
DO NOT wear tight socks, elastic, or rubber bands, or garters around your legs.
DO NOT wear restrictive footwear or foot products. Foot products that can cut off circulation to the feet, such as products with elastic, should not be worn by diabetics.
DO NOT smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to your feet. If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, work with your health care team to lower it.
Be More Active Ask your doctor to plan an exercise program that is right for you. Walking, dancing, swimming, and bicycling are good forms of exercise that are easy on the feet. Avoid all activities that are hard on the feet, such as running and jumping. Always include a short warm-up or cool-down period. Wear protective walking or athletic shoes that fit well and offer good support.
Communicate With Your Doctor Ask your doctor to check the sense of feeling and pulses in your feet at least once a year. Ask your doctor to tell you immediately if you have serious foot problems. Ask your doctor for proper footcare tips and for the name of your local podiatrist.
