The do's and don'ts of diabetic footwear: expert advice from a foot and ankle surgeon (2024)

FAQs

The do's and don'ts of diabetic footwear: expert advice from a foot and ankle surgeon? ›

Look for shoes with a wide toe box and a low heel. Steer clear of tight or constricting footwear: Tight shoes can cause circulation problems, leading to poor wound healing in diabetic patients. Avoid shoes that squeeze your feet or have tight straps.

Podiatrists play a key role in detecting and treating foot problems in people with diabetes. These include neuropathy (nerve damage), arthropathy (joint damage), and vasculopathy (blood vessel damage). Complications can be avoided or delayed with yearly comprehensive foot exams and treatment.

Don't put your feet in hot water – test with your hand first. Don't try to remove corns or calluses – visit your foot and ankle surgeon for appropriate treatment. Don't wear tight, elastic or thick, bulky socks. Don't let your feet get wet in snow or rain – wear warm socks and waterproof shoes in the winter.

1. Inspect your feet daily. Check your feet for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems. Use a magnifying hand mirror to look at the bottom of your feet.

Wear socks or stockings with shoes. Wear socks without seams. Avoid tight-fitting socks and garters. Wear socks in bed if your feet are cold at night.

Walking is considered safe for most people, including all ages and fitness levels. But it's important to take extra care and look after your feet if you have diabetes. This is because you're at a greater risk of developing foot complications or diabetic neuropathy.

Why does diabetes cause pain in your feet? When you have diabetes, high blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels. The nerves and blood vessels supplying the feet are long and delicate. Because of that, the feet — and especially the toes — often get affected first.

All people with diabetes should have their feet checked at least once a year by a doctor or podiatrist. This is important to detect problems early and to prevent ulcers and other complications.

Most people with diabetic neuropathy are unaware that they have nerve damage, until it is picked up on routine screening by their doctor or when they develop complications. Although there is no cure, early diagnosis and treatment can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of further complications.

Is diabetic feet a disability? ›

Yes. People with diabetes of all types are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act as people with disabilities. This includes access to school, public places, the workplace and some benefits such as Social Security and disability insurance.

People with type 1 diabetes should use soap or shower gel sparingly and instead opt for shower oils with a neutral pH value. The same goes for baths: the water should not be warmer than 35 °C and you should not take more than one bath a week.

50% Lower limb amputation begin with a foot ulcer. 50% will have an amputation in contralateral limb within 2 years. 50% will die within 5 years of 1st major AK or BK lower limb amputation.

People with diabetes can easily get wounds on their feet. Improper cutting or care of toenails and feet is the leading cause that could lead to toe finger and foot amputation.

Vaseline can be considered one of the products for diabetic foot care since it can act as a moisture barrier and prevent skin cracking and dryness. However, it should be used with caution. Ensure the feet are clean and dry before application to avoid trapping moisture that could lead to fungal infections.

Although rare, nerve damage from diabetes can lead to changes in the shape of your feet, such as Charcot's foot. Charcot's foot may start with redness, warmth, and swelling. Later, bones in your feet and toes can shift or break, which can cause your feet to have an odd shape, such as a “rocker bottom.”

The protective covering can get worn and expose the wiring, which can lead to a fire. Diabetic people shouldn't sleep with an electric blanket on, due to the fact that diabetics can lose sensitivity to heat in their legs and feet, which can cause burns if the blanket is turned up too high.

Anti-seizure drugs.

Some medications used to treat seizure disorders (epilepsy) are also used to ease nerve pain. The ADA recommends starting with pregabalin (Lyrica). Gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin) also is an option. Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, and swelling in the hands and feet.