Take Steps to Control Diabetic Foot Health

What is a Diabetic Shoe?

Shoes are more than what comes off the rack. They can be specialized to meet the needs of various factors. For example, there are shoes for running, weightlifting, and playing basketball. Diabetic shoes are no different and are essential for keeping your feet healthy and wound-free.

Diabetes can reduce blood flow to your feet. This circulation loss can cause numbness that prevents you from feeling irritation from your shoes until it has already broken the skin. A diabetic shoe or boot can provide the support and protection you need to keep your feet safe.

Features of Diabetic Shoes

Even if your feet are in good shape, your doctor will likely suggest you begin wearing a diabetic boot to support blood flow to help prevent future problems.

Now that we’ve discussed the importance of diabetic shoes, we’ll explain the features that make them stand out from the average shoe.

• Diabetic boots are extra deep to accommodate insoles or orthotics.
• A padded collar around the ankle prevents excessive rubbing.
• A thicker tongue provides additional security for the back of the foot.
• An ultra-strong toe box helps to lessen the chance of injury when you stub your toes.
• Non-skid soles provide for added stability and fall prevention.
• A multi-density insole prevents back-and-forth movement or sheering.

Reasons to Wear Diabetic Shoes

Wearing diabetic shoes can help you stay safe and comfortable throughout the day. Here are some reasons why we recommend a good diabetic boot or shoe:

• Increased motion and stability in the foot.
• Lessened numbness, swelling, and pain.
• Elimination of pressure points that cause skin breakages that may lead to sores and infections.
• Their pressure-free fit prevents bunions, calluses, and hammertoes.
  

Diabetic Foot Care

Since proper foot care is crucial if you have diabetes, we’re giving you a quick rundown of steps you can take to keep your feet healthy.

• Wash your feet daily with lukewarm (never too hot) water, and check them for cuts, scrapes, and sores. Pat dry and apply moisture only to the top and bottom of the foot; moisturizer between toes can contribute to a fungal infection.
• Trim your toenails with care. Always cut straight across and file down any sharp edges with an emery board.
• Exercise regularly. Moving your body helps to stimulate blood flow throughout your body, including your feet.
• Always inspect the inside of your shoes before wearing them. You may not feel a foreign object pressing into your foot like a small stone.
• Never walk barefoot, even at home. Walking with bare feet makes you more susceptible to foot injuries.
• Keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
• Lastly, don’t smoke. Smoking comes with a host of health problems, but it also restricts circulation, especially to your extremities.

Diabetic Foot Care Near Edgewood, Kentucky and Lawrenceburg, Indiana

If you need diabetic shoes, contact the Durrett’s Orthotics & Prosthetics team today. We have been family-owned since 1958, and we treat every patient like a member of our extended family. We offer a range of services in two convenient locations in Edgewood, KY, and Lawrenceburg, IN.

Durrett’s Orthotics & Prosthetics proudly serves Erlanger, Florence, Covington, Fort Thomas, Union, Walton, Edgewood, Oakbrook, Taylorsport, Fort Mitchell, Hebron, Beaverlick, Burlington, Belleview, Independence, Newport, Verona, Elsmere, KY, and Cincinnati, OH.