Diabetic shoes
Those who suffer from diabetes may begin to develop problems with their feet. This is due a condition known as neuropathy. Neuropathy causes the feet to feel numb and tingly. Other problems with the feet can include poor circulation, deformities and foot sores or ulcers. Some of these conditions can become so bad that a diabetic patient is unable to walk. Having the proper shoes can help prevent a diabetic person from developing many of these problems. By having the proper shoes, a person with diabetes can eliminate the chances of developing foot sores and help with circulation in the feet.
Because diabetes can cause nerve damage in the feet, often a person may not be able to feel his or her feet the way the normally should. Therefore when a foot becomes irritated by a sock or shoe, the person is unable to feel it and a sore may form on the foot. Another common problem with diabetes is a slow healing process. Therefore when a sore does develop it can take twice as long as it should to heal. This allows for infection to set in. The worst case scenario would be amputation. Majority of amputation cases are those on diabetic patients.
When it comes to getting a diabetic shoe or orthopedic shoe fittings you may need to have your foot measured by a podiatrist. Having your foot measured each time you purchase a new pair of shoes is crucial. People with diabetes feet can change shape and size frequently therefore your measurements and shoe requirements may change. Make sure the shoe fitter is experienced. Having someone that knows about diabetes and proper shoe fitting is a must. Since you may not be able to feel your own feet the shoe fitter must be able to notice any areas of the shoe that can cause rubbing or irritation of the foot. Make sure the shoe is wide enough and long enough with ample room for the toes to move freely. Avoid shoes that are too slim, have high heels, or are too narrow in the toe area.
When people think of diabetic shoes they may assume that they will be limited in the type of shoe they can wear. Thankfully, there are lots of different styles of diabetic shoes to choose from. Just because you have diabetes does not mean you have to show it through your fashion. You can find dress shoes, casual shoes and athletic shoes all that meet your diabetic requirements. Once you have your foot measurements you can find diabetic shoes from several different suppliers. Some diabetic shoes may be custom ordered by your doctor and may be covered through insurance however you may also be able to purchase them on your own. There are a lot of retailers that offer shoes for patients with diabetes as well as online stores that can be ordered from. The most important thing is to get the right size shoe for you. Be sure that whatever place you decide to purchase your shoes from, they are reputable and knowledgeable of proper shoe fitting for diabetic patients.
Having diabetes can alter your lifestyle but there are several things you can do to lessen the damage to your body. Having the proper footwear can make a huge difference in your comfort level and preventing infections and sores from getting you down. To further lessen the risk of damage to your feet, make sure you stop smoking and maintain a healthy weight. Smoking causes circulatory problems and being overweight causes excess pressure on the feet. By making a few modifications you can live a long life with diabetes.
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