Why Do Diabetics Need Special Shoes?

There’s a question that we get in our Blacksburg and Roanoke offices quite frequently – and that is, “Why is it that your diabetic patients require special shoes?”

To understand the answer to this question, one must first understand the diabetic foot. One big reason why it is important for any diabetic person to carefully monitor and control blood glucose levels is that when uncontrolled, many complications can arise. Some complications that are frequently seen in our office are nerve damage, decreased blood flow, and foot and joint problems. All of these problems can and do affect the feet.

Besides the bladder, bowel and stomach issues that can arise from diabetic neuropathy, poor sensation can have devastating effects on a patient’s feet without proper care and attention. Inability to feel pain, pressure or temperature can easily allow for rubs, blisters, burns and other injuries to go unnoticed.

Feet are sensitive and the blood supplying oxygen to the lower extremities may be reduced without you even being aware of it. The decreased oxygen delivery to the feet from poor circulation results in slower healing and nail growth.

Uncontrolled blood glucose levels can be inherently dangerous. “Rollercoaster” blood sugar levels can damage tissues and cells. An elevated blood glucose level can cause dehydration and dryness of the skin as well as promote the growth of bacteria and fungi (since sugars are a good food source for these organisms). Because of this, bladder, gum, and skin infections are common in our diabetic patients with high sugar levels. 

So, Why Special Shoes?

-          Proper shoes are the first line of defense against injury and infection.

-          Well fitting shoes are comfortable and allow proper circulation in the feet.

-          Proper shoes will allow your feet to breathe while still protecting them.

-          Proper shoes can prevent the development of ulcers, blisters and fungus.

How are these shoes different?

-         Deeper and wider to accommodate diabetic inserts, allow more room for feet, and reduce possible pressure points.

-         These shoes provide excellent support which is recommended for anyone buying shoes.

-         Most have a breathable fabric upper to promote good air circulation within the shoe.

-         Most are custom ordered for size or even custom molded to a patient’s foot.

-         The toe boxes are roomier to prevent pinching or squeezing the toes as well as to allow for more room for foot deformities.

-         Many are easily adjustable or have elastic which makes it easier to put on without making the shoe too tight or too loose.

-         Available with Velcro to make putting on shoes easier for patients with peripheral neuropathy who can not feel their fingers well enough to lace shoes. 

 

If you are interested in a pair of these shoes for a loved one or yourself, please give our office a call at (540) 808-4343!

Foot Exams Help Prevent Ulcerations

diabetic foot syndrome

We urge all of our patients to make sure their primary-care physicians check their feet during every office visit for signs of ulcerations that, left untreated, can lead to infection and ultimately result in lower limb amputations.

It’s a simple exam that takes two minutes to determine if you are at risk for developing a foot ulcer. Perhaps the easiest way to remember to get your feet checked is to remove your shoes and socks in the examining room. Most diabetic patients are vulnerable to foot ulcerations caused by poor blood circulation in the lower extremities and neuropathy that inhibits nerve sensation.

Ulcers are the leading cause of foot amputations among people with diabetes, but they are preventable in most cases if doctors routinely check their patient’s feet.

In a routine foot exam we check for nerve sensation, skin irregularities (corns, calluses, punctures and areas of redness), swelling, drainage, and foot deformities that cause unnatural pressure points that are prone to ulceration.

Patients with diabetes who have their feet checked regularly can prevent foot ulcers or have them treated at early stages by their podiatrist.

World Diabetes Day

diabetic foot syndrome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

World Diabetes Day is held to raise awareness of how diabetes can affect your everday life. We stress how diabetics should routinely visit our office because they tend to lose feeling in the feet and therefore may have stepped on something, developed an ulcer, have a wart and aren't aware of it. Also, diabetics need to be especially careful about clipping their toenails and removing any calluses on their feet. Extreme complications can arise if this isn't done correctly.
Here is more information on what diabetic foot care entails.

Also, younger diabetics should annually visit our both our Blacksburg and Roanoke offices as well! They need to make sure their feet are healthy and there aren't any complications that have happened in the past year which could have harmful side effects.

Foot Care & Diabetes

Q: Could I develop a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
A: Nearly 25% of Veterans are diagnosed with diabetes. General risk factors for diabetes include obesity, high blood pressure, sedentary lifestyle, and prediabetes, to name a few. However early diabetes screening allows Veterans to make changes to their lifestlye and take advantage of annual foot screenings in our offices in Blacksburg and Troutville, VA to help manage diabetes complications such as Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs).



Q: What if I develop a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
A: People with diabetes have a 15-25% lifetime risk of developing a DFU, many of which are often associated with impaired blood flow and may not heal within an appropriate time frame. If you develop a DFU, immediately come to our office!

Q: Why should I seek treatment?
A: If left untreated, DFUs can become infected and may lead to serious complications. If detected and treated early, many of these complications can be averted. With the multitude of resources available to Veterans with diabetes, never hesitate to seek immediate medical attention when you become aware of a foot wound.

Don't put medical attention off! Always promote preventative care!

Attention Diabetics

Attention Diabetics, Have you checked your feet recently??

Here is a friendly reminder to check your feet today in case they have been overlooked this past winter. This is an easy exam you can do to see if you need a professional to look at your feet.

Check your feet: for cuts, punctures, irritation, or bruises.
- If you find any of these consult your podiatrist especially if these spots are red, warm or draining.

Check your shoes: make sure you don’t feel any sharp objects in your shoes that would poke your feet.
- If find anything remove it from your shoe and check again.

Check your circulation: push lightly on the tips of your toes that will be pink and reddish in color. The color should change to white when you lift your fingers and then back to pink-red in about 2-3 seconds.

- If the change does not take place right away there might be something affecting your blood flow and you should see your podiatrist asap.

Helpful tip for those with circulation problems… don’t cross your legs when you sit. This will make it even harder for your body to get blood to your feet.

Keep in mind to never put your feet into hot water… only warm water.

Check your feet today!! You never know what you will find.