Will Diabetic Shoes Help Prevent Foot Ulcers?
Did you know that diabetic shoes could help prevent diabetic ulcers? That’s right; when it comes to diabetes and your feet, not all shoes are created equal.
Pressure points on your feet often cause your shoes to rub those areas repetitively, creating small lesions that promote the development of diabetic ulcers. These ulcers can form in a matter of hours. Studies have shown that even minor lesions can increase your risk of infections and more severe wounds.
The Academic Medical Center at the University of Amsterdam revealed that diabetic sufferers who wore customized diabetic shoes lowered their risk of developing new ulcers by 57 percent as opposed to those who didn’t.
Individuals with diabetes often develop neuropathy, which causes numbness and tingling sensations in the feet. When ulcers of the feet form and go unnoticed and unchecked, they lead to more serious wounds that may eventually require amputation of the foot.
Diabetic shoes are designed to help alleviate the pressure applied to these points, which lessens the amount of rubbing on the pressure points of your feet. In addition, diabetic shoes help increase blood circulation in the feet and relieve pain associated with diabetes.
In years past, diabetic shoes were limited in style and function. Today, there are a plethora of style choices and thanks to custom orthotics, each pair can be customized to perfectly fit the shape and pressure points of each person. Shoes can be selected based on the amount of sensation in the feet, any abnormalities or deformities, and even the type of clothing the individual plans to wear with them.
However, diabetic shoes are not a cure-all for diabetic foot and diabetic ulcers, as it doesn’t replace the need for consistent diabetic foot evaluations and check-ups. Physical exams, x-ray evaluations, wound care (if necessary), and laboratory tests are all highly recommended to ensure the prevention of ulcers and diabetic-related foot problems.
To schedule your diabetic foot evaluation, please call 336-375-6990 or click here to schedule an appointment online.
