Category: Health

Do people with Diabetes have to wear special shoes?

The answer is a simple : YES 

The reason to wear special shoes

People with diabetes may develop “Peripheral Neuropathy” in the feet (can also appear in the hands), due to high blood sugar levels. As mentioned in a previous article this may bring about nerve damage which can desensitise the feet in some areas and heighten sensitivity in other areas. Remember numb toes can’t talk and no message goes to the brain alerting the owner that blisters or hot spots are developing. Blisters or hot spots can lead to ulcers and in worse case scenarios may lead to amputations.

The special with this shoes

Special shoes in the sense that they must support the arches, ankles and heels.

They must
– be seam free to avoid rubbing
– have a higher toe box and give wiggle room to the toes
– be made from suitable materials

So while the shoes may not be the most fashionable they will be the most suitable. We will endeavour to accommodate requests regarding styles, depending on the condition of the feet as presented.

How to get suitable diabetic footwear

Following a full examination of the feet, a biomechanical analysis of pelvic and hip control, gait analysis and a foot pressure scan, we will advise on the best style of shoes. In all cases you will require special made to measure orthotics. The shoes may be modular shoes or made to measure bespoke shoes. That choice is at the discretion of the wearer, in all cases.

We will ensure that the shoes are the correct fit.
The orthotics are custom made, the materials used are best suited.
The overall combination will result in the best product, to assist in you maintaining your mobility.

For further information please contact : contact@pedorthist.ie or
01 4434409/045 866887

Diabetic foot disease is one of the most common, serious, feared and costly complications of diabetes. People with diabetes are at a 15 to 40 fold higher risk of a lower limb amputation than a non-diabetic person. 80% of lower limb amputations in diabetes are preceded by the development of a foot ulcer. It is estimated that the annual incidence of lower limb ulceration in people with diabetes varies between 2.2% to 7%. Diabetic foot disease is costly, with people frequently requiring admission to hospital, investigations, surgery and a prolonged hospital stay.

In order to look after your feet, you should follow these general rules:

• Nail Care – check up with chiropodist monthly.
• Footwear well fitting.
• Daily self-examination of the feet checking for changes or breaks in the skin.
• Never ever walk inside/outside in bare feet
• Checking your footwear and socks/hosiery before putting them on to ensure all is in good order.
• Check bath and shower temperatures to avoid scalding.
• Avoid home remedies e.g. corn plasters etc

As diabetes develops our feet become less sensitive. One may be inclined to wear tight fitting shoes, but this is never a good idea. Never buy off the shelf shoes with the thinking you will “break them in”.

Remember : Improper or poorly fitting shoes are major contributors to diabetes foot ulcerations.

If your are in any doubt, please do not hesitate to contact us at 01 443 4409 to book an appointment – do not use that old Irish euphemism, “it will be grand”

What we will do

• Check/Examine the feet We will check the feet for sensitivity, note any forms of structural foot deformity e.g Bunions, Toe deformities e.g. clawing toes, crossover toes, hammer toes, High Arch foot or Char cot Foot
• Recommend/Supply the correct footwear specific to diabetes ensuring the correct size and shape to wear to suit your feet
• Make alterations to accommodate deformities if necessary
• Fit the correct orthotics to suit your feet and the shoes. Offloading in the event of current or previous ulcerations.
• In the event that your foot is in the High Risk Zone we would refer you back to your Endcrinologist for their opinion, before proceeding to make bespoke footwear with materials specially designed for the diabetic foot.

Additional information for diabetic foot:

HSE
Diabetes Ireland