Why Footwear Matters for People with Diabetes
When you have diabetes, taking care of your feet is incredibly important. Proper footwear isn’t just about comfort or style; it plays a critical role in keeping your feet healthy.
Let’s dig into how diabetes can affect your feet, the types of foot problems that can happen, and how the right shoes can make a big difference.
Why Does Diabetes Affect the Feet?
Diabetes can cause two major problems that affect your feet:
- Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in your feet. This might make it hard to feel pain, heat, or cold. If you have a cut or blister and don’t feel it, it could get worse without you realizing it.
- Poor Circulation: Diabetes can reduce blood flow to your feet, which slows down the healing process. Even small injuries can take a long time to heal and might lead to serious infections.
Common Foot Problems for People with Diabetes
People living with diabetes can encounter a variety of foot problems, including:
- Ulcers. Ulcers are open sores that don’t heal easily and, therefore, can become infected.
- Calluses and Corns. Calluses and corns are thickened skin that can cause pressure points and lead to ulcers.
- Infections. Cuts or blisters can easily get infected because of poor healing.
- Deformities, Conditions like hammertoes or bunions can worsen if not managed properly.
- Amputations. In severe cases, untreated foot problems can lead to the need for amputation.
How the Right Footwear Helps
Wearing the right shoes can protect your feet and reduce the risk of injuries. Here’s how:
- Pressure Point Prevention. Good shoes reduce pressure on certain areas of your feet, preventing calluses and ulcers.
- Injury Prevention. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes protect your feet from cuts, scratches, or other injuries.
- Improved Circulation. Specially designed diabetic shoes help improve blood flow.
- Cushioning. Extra padding in diabetic shoes reduces friction and irritation, protecting sensitive areas of your feet.
What to Look for in Footwear
When shopping for shoes, keep these tips in mind:
- Proper Fit: Shoes should be snug but not tight. Look for a rounded toe box that gives your toes room to move.
- Soft, Seam-Free Material. Choose shoes made of soft material without seams that could rub against your skin.
- Extra Depth. Diabetic shoes often have extra depth to accommodate custom orthotics or swollen feet.
- Good Support. Make sure the shoes provide support for your arch and heel.
- Slip-Resistant Soles. These add stability and help prevent falls.
- Custom Inserts. Orthotics or insoles can help distribute pressure evenly across your feet.
Other Tips to Protect Your Feet
- Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, or other issues.
- Use a mirror if you can’t see the bottom of your feet.
- Always wear comfortable and clean socks with your shoes to prevent friction.
- Avoid going barefoot, even indoors.
- Visit a podiatrist regularly to catch problems early.
- Visit a podiatrist for treatment of corns and calluses.
- Dry feet thoroughly especially between toes.
- Apply moisturizer to keep skin soft and prevent cracks (don’t apply between the toes)
- Trim toenails straight across, avoiding cutting corners.
Take it One Step at a Time
Taking care of your feet when you have diabetes is essential. The right footwear can prevent serious problems like ulcers, infections, and even amputations. By choosing supportive, well-fitting shoes and keeping an eye on your feet, you can stay ahead of potential issues and keep your feet healthy. Remember, a small investment in proper shoes today can save you from bigger health problems down the road.
Author: Elidia Zaragoza, RN, CDCES | CCS Health
This site is for educational purposes only. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health.
