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!
