good
for the so l e
2
b e a c t i v e
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If this numbness occurs in the
feet, it can be very danger-
ous due to the amount of
time, weight and friction we
place on our feet every day. If
peripheral neuropathy is com-
bined with ill-fitting footwear,
ulceration and foot injuries
may occur, simply because
the patient does not feel the
injury until it is too late.
Properly fitted diabetic shoes
are very important in prevent-
ing such injuries. In the ‘Best
Practices For The Prevention,
Diagnosis and Treatment
of Diabetic Foot Ulcers’, Dr.
Inlow and colleagues make
several recommendations for
diabetic patients both with
and without neuropathy. They
recommend all diabetic pa-
tients should use ‘Profession-
ally Fit footwear’. A footwear
specialist such as a Canadian
Certified Pedorthist will know
exactly what features will
work best for your foot, life-
style and health conditions.
It is very important for a
diabetic to have their shoes
custom fitted by a trained pro-
fessional, since they may not
be able to feel an improper
fit, due to peripheral neuropa-
thy. By ensuring proper fit and
good air circulation, properly
designed diabetic shoes and
insoles prevent pressure
ulcers, encourage good blood
circulation, and allow the skin
to breathe.
Diabetic shoes are often
wider and deeper than
A common complication of diabetes is “peripheral neuropathy,”
which causes loss of sensation (numbness) in the extremities.
regular shoes, to make room
for special diabetic insoles.
Orthotic insoles for diabetics
are generally custom made
for the patient’s feet, to en-
sure proper fit and minimize
rubbing and uneven weight
distribution, preventing injury.
It is also important for a dia-
betic to have shoes with good
air circulation, meaning a lot
of diabetic footwear features
fabric or sandal-style uppers.
Some things to look for in
good shoe designs for
diabetics are:
•
Deep and wide designs
that allow room for
custom made orthotics or
customized insoles
•
Designs with no interior
seams (or covered seams)
to prevent rubbing injuries
•
A roomy “toe box” to
prevent pinching or
squeezing of the toes
•
Elastic or easily adjustable
fit, to prevent the diabetic
shoe from sliding around
on the feet
•
Rocker soled forefoot – a
rocker sole will decrease
the amount of flexing and
pressure along the
metatarsals (ball of foot)
Your BioPed Pedorthist can
complete a 60-second dia-
betic risk assessment of your
lower legs and feet. If you are
diabetic, speak to your Family
Doctor about professionally
fit footwear and completing
a 60-second diabetic risk
assessment.
Diabetic
Footwear