What are diabetic shoes and inserts?
Diabetic shoes and inserts are custom footwear and orthotics for people with diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that causes higher than normal blood sugar levels. Too much sugar in the blood damages the blood vessels.
Because the blood vessels in the feet are small, they're more vulnerable to damage, affecting circulation to the foot. Diabetes also causes neuropathy (nerve damage), which most often affects the feet.
When people with diabetes have a sore or cut on their foot, they may not feel it because of neuropathy, and the wound may not heal because of poor circulation. That scenario may lead to a significant infection, tissue death, and amputation.
The podiatrists at New Age Foot & Ankle Surgery are experts in diabetic foot care and provide diabetic shoes and inserts to protect your feet and prevent cuts and sores.
Am I a candidate for diabetic shoes and inserts?
Your podiatrist at New Age Foot & Ankle Surgery determines if you're a candidate for diabetic shoes and inserts during an evaluation.
Not everyone with diabetes needs special shoes or foot orthotics. However, if you have neuropathy, foot pain, corns, or calluses that put you at risk of developing problems, you might benefit from diabetic shoes and inserts.
Diabetic shoes
Diabetic shoes include various shoe styles that provide comfort and support for the foot, protecting it and preventing problems.
Orthotic inserts
Orthotic inserts may ease foot pain, prevent blisters or sores, or treat an underlying foot problem like flatfeet.
Your podiatrist determines the type of footwear that works best for you based on your current foot health and risks, as well as your daily lifestyle.
What happens during diabetic shoes and inserts consultations?
When you visit New Age Foot & Ankle Surgery for diabetic shoes and inserts consultation, your podiatrist conducts a thorough evaluation. They review your medical history, and diabetes management plan, and inspect your feet.
Your podiatrist talks to you about your feet and the shoes or inserts that might work best for you. When creating your orthotics, they use advanced technology that captures the dimensions of your feet, so you get a custom-made device that fits perfectly.
Once your shoes or inserts are ready, your provider has you return to the office for a fitting, making adjustments as needed.
To find out more about diabetic shoes and inserts, call New Age Foot & Ankle Surgery or request an appointment online today.
