We all know that patients with diabetes have an increased risk of having foot problems. This includes developing ulcers and other types of damage due to blood sugar levels affecting the nerves and vessels that go to the feet. Wearing specially designed shoes can help reduce that risk and promote healthy circulation.

AVOIDING FOOT COMPLICATION

Therapeutic shoes can stop complications before they start, including:

• Neuropathy
• Poor Circulation
• Skin changes
• Calluses
• Foot ulcers
• Amputations

Failure to perform recommended foot care and wearing inappropriate footwear can set diabetic patients up for foot ulcers. Ulcers are painful and potentially serious and can sometimes lead to amputation. Specially designed therapeutic footwear avoids the pitfalls of ill-fitting shoes, including things like pointed toes, flat soles, high heels, hard insoles, plastic or other non-breathable materials and shoes that do not adjust for fit.

Choosing the correct footwear for your diabetic patients can promote better foot care. Patients who get an evaluation by a foot doctor every year reduce their risk of getting a wound and then getting amputation by anywhere from 20% to 70%, according to the American Diabetic Association.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THERAPEUTIC FOOTWEAR THAT SETS IT APART FROM ANY OTHER SHOE?

Firm Heel Counter:
Prevents slippage for stability and foot support

Padded Heel:
Reduces pressure points and provides support

Extra Width & Depth Design:
Provides a custom fit with insoles or pressure-free fit without insoles

Seamless Lining:
Soft material that shapes to the foot; no protruding stitching enhances comfort

Padded Tongue:
Helps to prevent friction and improves overall fit

Extra-Wide Toe Box:
Protection reduces risk of injury and offers support

Lightweight Construction:
Reduces daily fatigue

Non-Skid Sole:
Lightweight, long-wearing outsole increases traction and mobility

Customized Inserts:
Conforms to the bottom of the foot and provides custom support

Custom Modifications:
Fits each exact foot with custom support orthotics

INSURANCE COVERAGE

For patients with diabetes, the cost of therapeutic shoes and inserts may be covered by Medicare and supplementary insurance each year. Let us help your patients get the comfort and support they need and get them into a new pair of therapeutic shoes today!

Written By:

Kara Weier, BASc, AS

Frontier Home Medical Sales Representative

Omaha and Lincoln