As a Diabetic you will know the importance of caring for your feet. But, as well as caring for your feet it is also very important to wear appropriate footwear as poorly fitting shoes can cause serious foot problems.
Wearing shoes with pointed toes or high heels can create pressure which can contribute to bone and joint disorders and diabetic ulcers. Shoes with a pointed toe can pinch which can cause an open wound and as you will know wounds on the feet can take a long time to heal as well as the chance that they could become infected.
Shoes with an open toe and sandals with straps between the toes are not usually recommended as they increase the chance of injuries to the toes. Straps between the toes can also rub the skin, again causing a blister or open wound which can become infected.
We recommend a well cushioned walking or training shoe. If you already suffer from a foot deformity such as a bunion, you are advised to purchase extra wide shoes or a shoe with depth. Depth shoes are roomy and allow for all shapes of feet and toes and if you require a special insert, a depth shoe can accommodate this. If you suffer from severe problems your Podiatrist may recommend a custom made shoe.
Shoes with good laces or a buckle or Velcro fastening are ideal as they prevent movement and rubbing of the feet within the shoe.
Before buying any shoe, diabetic or not, you should always have your feet measured and the shoe properly fitted. All good shoe shops offer this service and an experienced shoe fitter will be able to offer a range of styles for your particular foot shape and size. Your new shoes should feel sturdy and comfortable and should fit both the length and width of your foot. Your toes should have room to be able to wiggle freely. The shoes should have canvas or leather uppers to prevent your feet from sweating excessively. Plastic or vinyl shoes should be avoided as they don’t allow the foot to breathe, nor do they stretch.
We advise you to break your new shoes in gradually so that you don’t get blisters. As you will know blisters can take a long time to heal and can develop into something more serious if they become infected.
Another piece of advice that we pass onto our patients is to always wear socks with shoes or other footwear. Make sure that the socks aren’t too tight around the ankle as this can affect your circulation. We also advise diabetic patients against walking around the house barefoot. You could tread on something which can cause the skin to break and you may not be able to feel it sue to your diabetes.
Each time you put on a pair of shoes make sure to turn them upside down and give them a shake. If there is a stone in your shoe chances are you won’t feel it as one of the effects of diabetes is numbness of the feet. Again, a stone in the shoe can lead to a diabetic foot problem such as an ulcer. Try to make this a regular habit when getting dressed.
A Podiatrist is best placed to advise on the affects of diabetes on the feet. The Podiatrist at Davenport House Clinic treats many diabetic patients every week and offers routine foot care and advice on the management of your feet.