Everyone knows that walking is great for our overall health. And while it’s also quite beneficial for controlling blood sugar levels for diabetics, it brings with it the risk of injury. Fortunately, most of these injuries can be prevented with proper foot care and purchasing diabetic shoes. Today Dr. Amanda Bartell and Dr. Andrew Bartell of North Florida Foot & Ankle Center are spreading awareness by sharing their top tips for diabetic foot care.
What’s So Special About Diabetic Shoes?
Diabetic shoes are specially designed to protect diabetic feet while decreasing the risk of the skin breaking down. This typically occurs in cases of poor circulation, neuropathy, and foot deformities.
Here are some of the features that make them so special to those suffering from diabetes:
- Protective Interior: The interior of a diabetic shoe is made with soft material with no protuberant stitching. This is beneficial because in some cases, even a tiny bump can irritate diabetic feet.
- Extra-Deep: The shoes are specially designed with additional depth to be able to accommodate orthotics or insoles while providing a loose fit that is free from pressure.
- Orthotic Reinforcement: Another special feature of diabetic shoes is the distinctive insoles that support the arch, conform to the contours of the foot, and lessen pressure on the bottom of the foot.
- Uppers That Stretch: When extra protection is needed, shoes with stretchy uppers that form themselves to the contours of the deformed foot help provide relief to pressure points.
- Functional Soles: Another beneficial feature of these shoes is the lightweight soles that are precisely designed to help mobility.
- Deeper Toe-Box: Because it is higher, the tip of the diabetic shoe provides extra room for the toes, including deformed toes such as hammertoes.
- Multiple Width Options: Diabetic shoes are available in a variety of widths to improve fit and provide proper protection.
If you are diabetic and would like more information regarding our diabetic shoe program or would like to know if these shoes can benefit you, contact the office of Dr. Amanda Bartell and Dr. Andrew Bartell of North Florida Foot & Ankle Center today to schedule an appointment while it’s on your mind. You can call us at (904) 236-5023 or contact us online.
