Diabetic Shoes

The Need for Diabetic Footwear

Diabetes mellitus affects up to 6 percent of America's population, though this statistic is higher amongst senior citizens. Regardless of whether a patient is suffering from Type I or Type II diabetes, the affected person will have an excess amount of glucose circulating throughout the bloodstream due to inadequate insulin production or uptake. This excess glucose wreaks havoc on the patient's system including the tissues and nerves in the feet.

Podiatric Concerns

Diabetic shoes are frequently required because excess glucose can cause a condition called peripheral neuropathy in the feet. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves in a particular organ or tissue undergo damage. Diabetes affects circulation, making it difficult for damaged organs to heal as well.

The illness can strike on a deeper level still by compromising the immune system and, with the addition of poor circulation, making infections difficult to heal and drain from the system. Diabetes will also affect the joints of the feet causing difficulty in walking as the feet stiffen.

Because diabetes can also affect eyesight and the ability to feel pain, the feet may grow numb and a diabetic patient may not realize the amount of damage occurring in the foot region. A poorly fitting shoe can rub against a toe, bringing on an infection, but due to peripheral neuropathy and weak circulation, the patient neither feels nor fights the infection.

Foot ulcers are very common amongst diabetics and are caused by the continual rubbing and aggravation of an already present wound. Because healing can take a very long time, flexible yielding diabetic shoes are a must for advanced diabetics.

Fighting Amputations

When peripheral neuropathy kicks in, diabetes can also result in Charcot's joints. This condition occurs when joints are damaged and a diabetic continues to walk and stress the joints not being able to feel pain appropriately.

Serious injury can result to the feet and ankle joints such as dislocation, bone and cartilage damage, and the destruction of ligaments. Eventually, the arch of the foot will collapse if the foot remains untreated, while bony protrusions will likely lead to foot ulcers.

Helpful Tips When Purchasing Diabetic Shoes

A well fitted shoe is highly important for diabetics, especially for those who are already experiencing any of the aforementioned medical problems.

First of all, it is imperative that individuals suffering in the advanced stages of diabetes never go barefoot. The risks of accidents while trotting around with bare feet are insidiously high.

Diabetic shoes should never fit tightly as to cause ingrown toenails or pressure on the toes. If need be, have your feet measured by a salesperson each time you are fitted for new shoes. It is necessary that diabetic shoes be comfortable at the time of purchase. They should not require any sort of "break-in" period. Extra room near the toes is a far safer option than a snug fitting shoe.

Unfortunately, careful diabetics should shun shoe styles that feature high heels or pointed toes altogether due to the pressure that is placed on either the ball of the foot or the toes themselves. Foot ulcers are so common in diabetic patients that fashion is not worth the risk of an amputation.

Some podiatrists will recommend the purchase of homely looking orthopedic shoes, but shoe designers such as Easy Spirit or Crocs offer very roomy and comfortable styles that diabetics can enjoy.

Purchasing Information

Because there are very few definably "diabetic shoes", many diabetic-friendly stypes can be found at regular department stores or mega-stores like Target. Diabetic shoes are, for all practical purposes, sensible comfortable shoes.

• Discount Ugg Boots
• SAS Shoes
• Sexy High Heels
• Winter Boots
• Coach Shoes

• Peripheral Neuropathy Footwear
• What Sad Tales Our Feet Tell
• Christmas Shoes
• Cork Stripper Shoes
• Orthopedic Shoes

• Celebrity High Heels
• Ladies High Heel Shoes
• Extreme High Heels