Walking towards better health starts from the ground up, and for individuals managing diabetes, the right footwear can be a game-changer. In this post, we’ll delve into the top 5 advantages of diabetic shoes, exploring how they contribute to overall well-being and why they are crucial for individuals with diabetes.
- Enhanced Foot Protection with Diabetic Shoes
Diabetic shoes provide extra depth and toe space, reducing the risk of blisters, calluses, and ulcers – common concerns for those with diabetes. The seamless interior minimizes irritation, offering a protective environment for sensitive feet. (Insert internal link to our diabetic shoe form)
- Enhanced Circulation and Arch Support
Proper circulation is vital for individuals with diabetes. Poor circulation delays healing as blood has difficulty reaching the area to maintain skin health and treat injury or infection.1 Diabetic shoes are designed to promote better circulation, providing adequate arch support and minimizing constriction, thus preventing circulatory issues and reducing the likelihood of foot problems.
- Custom Insoles for Weight Distribution (“Off-loading”)
Diabetic shoes come with removable insoles for customization and the use of orthotic inserts, ensuring specific support for individual needs. This promotes comfort and stability with each step. Custom insoles also play a hand in properly distributing the weight of an individual, a phenomenon dubbed “off-loading”. Off-loading is a main strategy in preventing unnecessary rubbing and pressure, thereby reducing the occurrence of calluses and ulcers.2
- Shock-Absorbing Soles for Reduced Impact and Injury Prevention
Diabetic shoes feature shock-absorbing soles that cushion the feet, reducing impact during walking. This is crucial in preventing injuries and minimizing stress on joints, particularly important for individuals with diabetes. Around 27% of diabetic individuals in the US have neuropathy, which often manifests itself as pain or numbness in feet.3 The pain or lack of awareness of pain increases the risk of falls and injury to the feet, making proper protection key.
- Prevention of Infections, Ulcers, and Blisters
Diabetic shoes significantly reduce the risk of infections and ulcers by providing a conducive environment for foot health. This plays a crucial role in preventing complications that can arise from minor injuries or skin breakdown. In fact, studies have shown that consistent use of proper footwear for diabetic individuals significantly reduces the risk of re-ulceration, amputation, and mortality due to complications.4
Stepping into a healthier future involves considering every aspect of diabetic care, and proper footwear is a cornerstone in this journey. Diabetic shoes offer more than just comfort; they provide a shield against potential complications, ensuring that every step is taken with confidence and care. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Investing in the right pair of diabetic shoes can be a small yet impactful stride towards a life marked by improved foot health and overall well-being.
References:
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/foot-problems
- Zwaferink JBJ, Custers W, Paardekooper I, Berendsen HA, Bus SA. Optimizing footwear for the diabetic foot: Data-driven custom-made footwear concepts and their effect on pressure relief to prevent diabetic foot ulceration. PLoS One. 2020 Apr 23;15(4):e0224010. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224010. PMID: 32324739; PMCID: PMC7179916.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7179916/
- Hicks CW, Selvin E. Epidemiology of Peripheral Neuropathy and Lower Extremity Disease in Diabetes. Curr Diab Rep. 2019 Aug 27;19(10):86. doi: 10.1007/s11892-019-1212-8. PMID: 31456118; PMCID: PMC6755905.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6755905/
- Zhang X, Wang H, Du C, Fan X, Cui L, Chen H, Deng F, Tong Q, He M, Yang M, Tan X, Li L, Liang Z, Chen Y, Chen D, Armstrong DG, Deng W. Custom-Molded Offloading Footwear Effectively Prevents Recurrence and Amputation, and Lowers Mortality Rates in High-Risk Diabetic Foot Patients: A Multicenter, Prospective Observational Study. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2022 Jan 10;15:103-109. doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S341364. PMID: 35046681; PMCID: PMC8759996.
