Diabetic footwear can be called extra-thick, therapeutic footwear or sugar shoes. They’re specially designed shoes, shoe inserts or gels, meant to reduce the possibility of diabetic foot ulcers in diabetics who have pre-existing diabetic neuropathy. What’s more, diabetic foot ulcers can lead to serious complications like amputation of the infected portion of the foot. So, what’s the secret to wearing these types of shoes?
The secret is in their design. Diabetic shoes and inserts often have stiff soles. These are made of stiff plastic, polyurethane or elastomeric foam, rather than the flexible rubber, flexible cotton or other similar materials used in regular shoes. In such thick-soled shoes, the bottom has a lot more space for the feet to develop calluses, which can become inflamed as a result of dermic involvement, especially in patients with diabetic neuropathy. The feet also have less room for the toes to push against the sides of the shoe, a condition known as clear dragging.
The effects of wearing these footwear
When this happens, the foot gets hot and sweaty. This raises the body’s temperature, which makes it uncomfortable to wear shoes. And, as mentioned above, diabetic foot ulcers can cause serious complications. Sclerotherapy can even be used to treat diabetic foot ulcers.
It’s true that diabetic shoes and inserts may make feet a little cold when they’re off, but they’re still designed to provide excellent cushioning and support. There are a number of manufacturers who make shoes specifically for diabetics. Look for medical statements on the packaging of your footwear to determine if it’s suitable for diabetic patients. Then look carefully at the list of features of the footwear to ensure that the ones recommended by your doctor are included.
What’s the best way to choose quality diabetic footwear?
First, find out what your foot care provider has to say about his recommendations. Ask him what brands of footwear he prefers and what type he uses. Keep in mind that there are different types of footwear for the different stages of diabetic symptoms, so try to find footwear that covers all the different types of foot problems that you may experience.
Don’t forget comfort. If you want to get the most out of your diabetic shoe, you need to find one that will be comfortable for you to wear for an extended period. Your feet will expand and contract depending on what you’re doing it. When you’re standing in one place, you might feel that you’re wearing only a thin layer of material, but your feet are actually contracting and expanding while you’re moving.
Also, pay attention to the seams of the footwear. Seams are important to diabetic patients because they help reduce irritation to the skin and soften the boot. Also, if you have any painful cuts or sores in your feet, then you may not want to wear diabetic footwear because these can easily lead to infections. Try to avoid closed seams, instead opt for moisture-wicking or breathable insoles.
And last, look for durability in your footwear. You know how well your feet work in a day, so you don’t want to have to change shoes several times a day or week. Durability is a good indicator that the footwear is a good fit. Your diabetic foot care provider should be able to guide you in choosing the right footwear for your feet.
Don’t forget to consider comfort when shopping for diabetic footwear. Your feet will be in the shoe all day, so you want them to be comfortable. You should also make sure that your shoe fits tightly across your foot and that it’s not too loose. To test them, step into them and look for cushion and flexibility. If they’re too loose, or if the shoe is rubbing on your foot, then make a change. One can easily find the best options for diabetic footwear at websites like lermagazine.com.