The Perfect Fit: Finding Shoes with Diabetes
A pair of shoes can do wonders for your feet. They don’t even have to be “magical” like Cinderella’s glass slippers to fit perfectly. While you’re not going to find magically-perfect glass slippers at your local shoe store, you certainly can find footwear that is perfect for your diabetic feet if you know what to look for and how to fit shoes. Since footwear has a crucial role in diabetic foot health, getting that perfect fit is especially important.
Shoes protect your feet from stepping on sharp objects, support and stabilize you, cushion your footfalls, and help you absorb hard impacts. All of this is valuable for any kind of foot—but when you have diabetes and are susceptible to infections, ulcers, and worse complications, shoes become indispensable. The key, of course, is finding a pair that fits. Footwear that doesn’t fit correctly could actually contribute to foot problems, rather than help alleviate them.
Fortunately, finding the perfect fit for diabetic feet is possible. Not everyone with diabetes needs prescription shoes. Most people, in fact, are able to wear regular sneakers if they fit correctly. Choosing those shoes just has to be done carefully, and many people need a little help along the way. Here are a few things to watch for when you’re fitting shoes for diabetic feet:
Cushioning under pressure areas – Too much pressure can contribute to ulcers. Make sure areas of impact and places that support pressure are well padded.
No rubbing – Friction and rubbing from the fabric of your shoes is a great way to give you a blister that could easily deteriorate into an ulcer. If shoes rub the skin, skip them.
Fitting size and shape – Look for styles that are wide enough and accommodate any foot problems or deformities you already have.
Stabilize appropriately – Make sure shoes support your feet and don’t allow excessive motion in joints that are susceptible to inflammation.
If you’re not sure how to properly fit diabetic shoes, or you’re concerned about your feet at all, let our team help. Contact Gulf South Foot & Ankle, LLC in Metairie, LA, for an appointment. Don’t wait until a real problem develops with your shoes to take care of your lower limbs. Call (504) 708-4810 or use our website to reach us.