Choosing the Right Shoes for Diabetics
Tips on Finding Footwear That Protects Your Feet
Aug 20, 2009
For a person with diabetes, shoe shopping must be more than just a fun activity for an afternoon at the mall. Choosing the right shoes and socks is vitally important in preventing some of the possible complications that a diabetic patient's feet can develop.
Foot Problems and Diabetes
Because diabetes can reduce blood flow to the feet, reduce nerve conduction and decrease sensation in the feet, the condition can lead to several foot-related complications — some of which are severe.
These complications can range from infected cuts and scrapes to rashes and cracked skin all the way to severe injury or deformity.
Preventing Diabetes-related Foot Problems
Many diabetes patients experience mild to severe nerve damage, which can reduce their ability to feel cuts, scratches and breaks in the skin. They may not notice rough seams in their socks or ill-fitting shoes that rub against their skin and cause blisters and cracks. For these and other reasons, it is vitally important for the diabetes patient to inspect his or her feet daily for early signs of infection or skin breakdown, take good preventive care of his feet, and importantly, choose socks and shoes that protect the feet without causing additional problems.
How to Select the Right Shoes
A crucial part of diabetes foot care is choosing the right shoes and socks and wearing them properly. It may sound obvious, but it is important to buy the right shoes in the right size. It is best to find a shoe store that employs an experienced fitter to help customers find a supportive shoe that is snug enough to keep the foot in place, but not too tight. Buy shoes that fit while you are in the store; don't expect tight shoes to stretch later.
Inspect the shoes closely before even putting them on. The upper part of the shoe should be soft and flexible, and the lining should be smooth, without ridges or seams that could cause blisters or sores. Avoid shoes with high heels or pointed toes. The toe portion of the shoe should give toes room to move and wiggle freely, while the heel should fit snugly, holding the heel in place without rubbing or chafing.
Walk around in the store as much as possible before making a final purchase, paying special attention to any areas of the shoe that pinch, slip or rub. Again, don’t expect these problems to go away with wear.
More Tips on Shoes – and Socks, Too
Choose leather or canvas shoes, which breathe well and help keep feet dry. Also buy comfortable socks that fit well, and wear clean socks or stockings each day. During exercise, wear thick, clean socks that will absorb moisture and provide an extra layer of padding between foot and shoe.
Avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row. Before putting on a shoe, always check inside it for pebbles, rough seams and other irritants. Never go barefoot, even indoors; for a person with diabetes, a minor cut could lead to a serious infection.
Following these simple guidelines, along with keeping feet clean and inspecting them daily for any cuts or areas of broken or excessively dry skin, can help the diabetes patient keep his or her feet healthy for many years to come.
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