It’s important that your feet are in the right type of shoe, but that sentiment takes on even more importance if you have diabetes. Shoes that are unsupportive or that put excessive pressure on your toe box can lead to a whole host of problems, like bunions, ingrown toenails, hammertoes and Athlete’s foot.
Because wound or infection healing can be delayed as a result of your diabetes, these foot conditions can be extremely problematic. The good news is that you can help prevent these problems by ensuring your feet are in the right type of shoes. Below, we share some tips for finding the right shoes for your diabetic feet.
Choosing Shoes If You Have Diabetes
Keeping your feet clean is important, but you’ll also want to keep them protected by wearing proper footwear. Here are some points to consider:
- Wear socks and shoes at all times when outside the house to protect your feet.
- Find comfortable socks that allow your feet to breath. If they are too tight, they can cut off circulation, which may already be hindered by your condition.
- Keep your feet warm. You might like the feeling of going barefoot indoors, but going sockless can make it difficult for your feet to maintain an optimal temperature, which is crucial for healthy blood flow.
- Always change your socks right away if they get wet. Plan ahead and pack an extra pair if you’re going to be partaking in an activity where your feet may sweat or get wet.
- If you need to wear sandals, opt for a pair that offers your foot more protection. Sandals with straps can help prevent dirt and debris from getting under your feet.
- Always examine your shoes for foreign objects or debris before you put them on.
- Don’t smoke, as smoking can inhibit blood flow to your feet.
- If you have an open sore, contact your doctor or a foot specialist.
If you don’t properly care for your feet, problems can set in. One such problem is neuropathy and Charcot Arthropathy, which we explain in the next section.
So if you have diabetes, it’s imperative that you put some extra thought into your shoe choice to help keep some preventable problems from setting in. And if you need help managing your diabetes or a foot condition that has developed in part because you have diabetes, reach out to Dr. Silverman today for more information.