We can help you stay on your feet longer.
Diabetes affects millions worldwide, and caring for it requires more than just medicine and a healthy diet. It also includes ensuring comfort with things like diabetic footwear. At Tierney Orthotics and Prosthetics, we help those with diabetes feel less pain when standing or walking for extended periods of time, providing them with better comfort and improved footwear options. Continue reading to learn about the importance of shoes for diabetics. Then contact our team to explore how we can help in the Greensboro, North Carolina area.
Diabetes can significantly affect several organs and parts of the body, including the feet. High blood sugar can cause nerve damage and poor blood flow, which both greatly increase the chance of foot problems. Some common issues that diabetics have regarding their feet include the following:
- Pressure Sores- Neuropathy can cause a loss of feeling in the feet, which makes it hard to feel cuts or blisters. If you don’t treat these wounds, they can turn into sores.
- Infections-When the body doesn’t get enough blood flow, it can’t fight off infections as well. Because of this, even minor cuts or blisters can get infected and cause problems.
- Abnormalities-Over time, diabetes can cause changes in the structure of the feet, such as Charcot foot, which can lead to breaks and abnormalities.
Diabetic footwear is made to help people with diabetes deal with these unique issues thanks to extra cushioning and padding, which allows the foot to spread out for proper weight distribution. Also, the insides of diabetic shoes are often smooth to reduce friction and make it less likely that blisters or calluses will form. Diabetic footwear also has wider and reinforced toe boxes to offer extra room and protect the toes from getting hurt.
Diabetic footwear also lets more air in, preventing moisture from building up and causing fungal diseases. Adding diabetic socks also increases the moisture-wicking properties and provides all-around support.
While not everyone with diabetes will need special shoes, understanding how this footwear can help is beneficial. Contact your medical team and meet with our team if you’re curious about diabetic footwear. We can explore your options to see how we can meet your needs.