Not surprisingly, diabetic footwear is designed specifically to address foot conditions that affect people suffering from diabetes. Such conditions may include cracking skin due to poor circulation, foot ulcers, numbness and tingling, or diabetic neuropathy.
To get a full understanding of how diabetic shoes differ from regular shoes, let’s first explore what special features diabetic shoes include.
Unique Features of Diabetic Shoes
Footwear designed for diabetic patients must be created with the physical conditions associated with the disease in mind. A quality diabetic shoe will include the following special features:
- Protective material on the inside of the shoe that is soft enough to maximize comfort for the wearer. The stitching in the interior should not protrude, which could result in irritation.
- Non-binding uppers that minimize pressure on the foot. You will find that normal shoes often create pressure in the forefoot section or near the back of the shoe since they are usually created from firm materials that often irritate bunions, toes, or the heel of the foot.
- A design with extra depth to eliminate pressure on the foot and provides enough room in the shoe to add in thick orthotic inserts.
- Cushioning soles that are lightweight and allow for greater mobility and stability, and protect the foot from impact.
- A deep toe box with extra room for the toes which prevents pressure and accommodates greater movement.
- Uppers that feature a stretchy design are often an ideal solution for conditions caused by severe diabetes or neuropathy. These shoes conform to the shape of the foot and help eliminate pressure points.
- Orthotic insoles offer additional arch support and help reduce pressure on the bottom of the foot.
What Are The Advantages Of Diabetic Footwear?
In addition to providing much-needed pain relief and maximizing comfort for the patient, diabetic footwear can help with the following:
- Improving motion control
- Increasing Blood Circulation
- Preventing dry, cracking skin
- Stopping the formation of calluses
- Reducing the occurrence of foot problems near areas of the foot that receive high pressure
Another important benefit to note is that diabetic shoes are often covered by Medicare and other insurance programs. This is due to a 1993 bill enacted by Congress known as the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill, which provides support for sufferers of the disease.
Many of the foot problems caused by diabetes can lead to serious health complications. The good news is that these issues can be prevented by choosing shoes specially designed to address these issues. Diabetic shoes promote better foot health and better health overall.
Where Can I Get High-Quality Diabetic Shoes and Accessories?
Medical Supply Depot provides a convenient way for individuals to get the supplies they need to better manage their health. Visit our website today or speak with one of our trusted professionals by phone at 800-965-7496 to get exactly what you need at prices that won’t break the bank!