Medicare Approved Diabetic Shoe Program


 

The number one effect of diabetes seems to be “peripheral neuropathy,” which is a disease that causes loss of sensation in the lower limbs and feet. Wearing the wrong size shoes which pinch or rub the feet continuously will most likely lead to foot injury and possibly ulcerations, mostly due to the fact that the diabetic cannot feel the wound until it is too late.

Having your shoes fitted by a professional is the most important step to great shoe wearing success. This will help to avoid diabetic injuries. Your podiatrists professionally trained assistant at Cortese Foot and Ankle Clinic will carefully fit each pair of diabetic shoes. We have the correct designs and styles for wide feet with a deeper toe box and almost seam-free shoes. Plus, they are very light weight! We use companies like Surefit and Dr. Comfort. There are many styles and colors to choose from too. These shoes will come with special inserts that are custom fit to your feet.

Diabetic shoes - Podiatrist in Bloomington-Normal, Pontiac, and Clinton

Because of the deeper and wider designs of the diabetic shoes the special inserts fit in them perfectly. The inserts help to ensure the correct fit and reduce the rubbing and uneven weight distribution, this will help prevent injuries. It is also imperative that the diabetic shoe have good air circulation.

Good shoe designs for the diabetic include:

  • Sandals and shoes made of breathable fabric
  • Wide toe box and double depth shoe construction
  • Virtually no seams (Inside or out)
  • Velcro or elastic fit to keep the feet from sliding around in the shoes

It is also a good idea to wear diabetic socks. Diabetic socks are seam free, this minimizes the exposure to blisters. Diabetic socks are made with extensive mesh materials which makes the socks ventilated to increase air flow circulation. The toes and heels are re-enforced for long lasting wear. They have very low compression leg for maximum blood flow with a non-binding top. Protective cushioning for all day comfort.

Diabetics should get new shoes every year from your podiatrist. We sell Diabetic Shoes and Socks in our Sole Savers Shoe Store (located inside Cortese Foot and Ankle Clinic.)

The Importance of Proper Footwear

Proper footwear provides the support and protection that is essential for the patient with diabetes. Diabetic patients can develop sores or infections from shoes that are not fitted or selected properly. Patients with neuropathy (loss of sensation in the foot) may develop sores from poorly fitting shoes without even knowing it. Patients with bunions, hammertoes or other foot deformities can prevent these conditions from worsening by wearing proper footwear.

Our Footwear Services

Our office can provide you with a wide choice of stylish shoes from major manufacturers such as New Balance, Hush Puppies, Soft Spots, Drew and Rockport. The shoe models we have selected provide the extra depth and design considerations necessary to prevent diabetic foot complications without sacrificing a fashionable look.

The proper sizing of a shoe is critical in preventing the development of sores, ulcers or infections. Shoes fit by your healthcare professional will assure that you are getting the proper size and width for the particular shoe style you selected.

Our office provides our patients with the highest level of care with custom fabricated diabetic inserts. An impression of your foot is sent to our lab for a truly custom made device. Custom inserts provide your foot with the support and protection needed to relieve pressure points that could cause hard to heal lesions. If you have had an ulcer on a particular area of your foot, using custom inserts can reduce the chance of recurrence. 

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