If diabetes isn’t in the picture, footwear is not always given the attention it deserves—especially because shoes play a significant role in foot health. For individuals who have diabetes, though, it is absolutely essential to make the best possible footwear choices. Wearing proper diabetic shoes can protect your feet and reduce your risk of developing dangerous complications.

So how can shoes prevent major problems when you have diabetes? Well, some of the benefits of diabetic footwear include:

  • Better motion control. This particular diabetic shoe feature helps in foot stability and function, but it also is beneficial in relieving pain and decreasing inflammation. Basically, the more motion your foot undergoes, the more likely it is that a problem can develop. Abnormal biomechanics (how the body moves) can result in too much pressure being placed on areas of the feet not equipped to handle them. Diabetic shoes control the foot motion into a more neutral, natural pattern.
  • Decreased shock. Shock is a term used to describe the vertical pressure a foot endures. We all place a lot of pressure on our feet when we take steps. Every time a foot lands, it has to endure forces of about two times the body’s weight. This can be an issue when diabetes is in the picture, since the high level of shock can potentially damage bones weakened by poor circulation (a common problem with diabetes). Diabetic footwear offers heightened cushioning to better protect the feet.
  • Reduced shear. Whereas shock refers to vertical pressure, shear is the horizontal movement of a foot within a shoe. This is important to know, because shear is responsible for blisters. Blisters might not be a major concern for an otherwise healthy individual, but they can break down and become diabetic foot ulcers. These ulcers are a leading cause of lower limb amputation, so it’s important to prevent them from developing by wearing footwear that reduces the amount of shear your foot experiences.

Making sure you are always wearing appropriate footwear—both shoes and socks—is critical when you have diabetes. Of course, this is only one facet of diabetic foot care! You need a plan in place to keep your lower limbs safe, and we can help.

If you would like more information on diabetic shoes, want assistance in creating a diabetic foot care plan, or need to schedule an appointment for treatment, give us a call at (541) 776-3338. You can also connect with us through our online contact form right now.

Sources:

https://healthguides.healthgrades.com/managing-diabetic-nerve-pain/the-best-shoes-for-diabetic-neuropathy

http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/find-the-right-shoes-for-diabetes#1

http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/conditions/diabetic-foot/Pages/Shoes-and-Orthotics-for-Diabetics.aspx

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