Diabetic Shoes- What They Are and How They Work

Many diabetics suffer from foot ailments that are caused by poor blood circulation or diabetic neuropathy. There are several things that diabetics can do to help prevent foot problems, including regularly exercising and wearing comfortable shoes. Here's some basic information about diabetic shoes and why they are important:

Why diabetics need special shoes

Not all diabetics will need special shoes. However, many diabetics will, at some point, require special shoes as their conditions worsen or as they foot injuries. Common diabetic foot ailments include blisters, cuts, swollen feet, and calluses. Often, diabetics are not even aware that they have foot injuries until they get an infection or until they inspect their feet.

The reason that many diabetics suffer from foot injuries is because many diabetics lose sensation in their feet, which is a condition called diabetic neuropathy. When a diabetic is no longer getting blood circulating properly throughout their extremities, they may suffer from nerve damage, which causes them to lose feeling in their extremities. This nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy, prevents diabetics from feeling painful sensations in their feet, which may include cuts, blisters, and calluses. Without being able to feel injuries, diabetics often get infections that can lead to serious conditions - and that sometimes require amputations.

Having the right footwear may help diabetics to keep their feet healthy and free from cuts or blisters. Of course, everyone will get blisters and minor foot injuries from time to time, but having wide, comfortable shoes can help to prevent them significantly.

How diabetic shoes are different

Diabetic shoes are different than many other types of shoes for a few reasons. They are often wider and deeper than other types of shoes, which helps to ensure that the feet can move about freely without rubbing against the sides of the shoes or becoming restricted. (Source: http://www.informationaboutdiabetes.com/diabetes-management/diabetic-footcare/diabetic-shoes) Diabetic shoes are also built so that they do not have seams on the interior of the shoe, in many cases. Without seams, diabetics may have a more comfortable fit that will not cause rubbing against certain parts of the feet. Diabetic shoes also tend to be more stable than many other types of shoes, which means that diabetics may be less likely to twist and ankle or stumble while wearing diabetic shoes.

How to buy diabetic shoes

It is recommended that diabetics have their shoes fitted for their feet. Once diabetics are comfortable with a particular brand or style, they can look online for special rates and lower prices on their diabetic shoes. Also, keep in mind that there are all kinds of diabetic shoes, including athletic shoes, casual shoes, and dress shoes that are all designed to be comfortable for diabetics.

Sources:

http://www.informationaboutdiabetes.com/diabetes-management/diabetic-footcare/diabetic-shoes

http://shop.imtypefree.com/Diabetic-Apparel-s/1169.htm