Shoe Shopping for Diabetic Patients

Most podiatrists will tell you that good quality, properly fitted shoes are of the utmost importance for maintaining good foot health and avoiding many disabling podiatric conditions. If you are a patient with diabetes, however, it can be a matter of life and death. Diabetic patients whose condition is far progressed or who do not have good control over their sugar may experience neuropathy or loss of sensation in the feet, as well as circulation problems. This means that cuts, blisters and injuries to the foot may not be felt until they have become open sores which are then difficult to treat and heal due to poor circulation and immune system suppression. When infections cannot be controlled, they can travel to the bone and may eventually result in amputation.

If you are a patient with diabetes, we at Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle believe your podiatrist is your partner in keeping your feet, toes and ankles healthy. Regular checkups with our board certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Larry Hotchkiss, can help prevent problems before they start. And, because we feel so strongly about the role your shoes play in your health care plan, we have shoe stores at both our Clinton and Waldorf locations with professional shoe fitters to help you choose the best shoes for your individual feet.

Getting the Best Footwear

What makes a shoe a good choice for a diabetic patient? Here are a few pointers:

• A wide, roomy toe box will prevent pressure being put on toes. If you have a deformity such as a bunion or hammertoe, this is particularly important because shoes that rub on these protrusions can quickly cause blisters and sores.

• Shoes made of soft leather tend to have more give than rigid, stiff leather or synthetic materials and this reduces the risk of blisters.

• High heels should be avoided because they tend to squeeze the toes and also increase the risk of injury if you have decreased sensation in your feet.

• Avoid flip flops as they expose much of the foot and have little or no support.

Our professional shoe fitters will work with the foot doctor to find the shoe that will give you the greatest comfort and protection for your feet. If you have diabetes accompanied by neuropathy, contact one of our offices by calling (301) 868-3899 or (301) 843-9581 for more information about shoes specifically designed for diabetic feet.