Footwear Tips for Diabetic Patients

29 Apr Footwear Tips for Diabetic Patients

Choosing appropriate shoes is important for the podiatric health of all our patients at Great Neck Family Foot Care. For diabetic patients, however, the wrong footwear can result in serious medical problems. Neuropathy (nerve damage) that causes a loss of sensation and reduced circulation, which are associated with diabetes, put patients who have this disease at higher risk for difficult-to-heal ulcers and other foot issues. Shoe choice can help prevent diabetic difficulties in the feet. Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing footwear if you are diabetic:

• Make sure there is no loose stitching inside the shoe that can rub against the skin, causing a blister.
• Shoes should not be tight but should fit snugly enough to limit horizontal motion in the shoe and friction that could irritate skin.
• Look for shoes with a roomy toe box and space to accommodate any deformities such as hammertoe or bunions.
• Check for good arch support. This will help keep feet properly positioned and avoid heel pain and joint inflammation that can be caused by flatfeet.
• Choose shoes that provide extra shock absorption and cushioning for added protection for your feet.
• Ask your podiatrist if custom orthotic inserts will help relieve pain or pressure on fragile areas of your foot.

Regular checkups with the foot doctor are an important part of diabetic foot care. In addition to footwear recommendations, our board certified foot and ankle surgeons, Dr. Alec Hochstein and Dr. Diana Gagliano will help you develop a daily foot care regimen aimed at catching problems early. If you are unable to come into the office, we can bring medical care to you. Changes in the feet, such as size, color, shape and temperature of the skin can all signify a potential issue. If you are diabetic and have concerns about your feet, contact our Great Neck office and make an appointment to get started on a preventive care plan that will help keep your feet healthy and enable you to live the active lifestyle you love.