Diabetic Footwear
At North Texas Regional we understand the importance of proper foot care. We make sure you have a custom fit of your diabetic footwear to your feet. Many patients are unaware of what a proper fit entails, it is very different than your everyday footwear, in patients who have diabetes. Shoes not fit correctly can cause more issues with the patients feet in creating more ulcers and/or hot spots on the patients feet creating more issues of concern.
Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy can cause insensitivity or a loss of ability to feel pain, heat, and cold. Diabetics suffering from neuropathy can develop minor cuts, scrapes, blisters, or pressure sores that they may not be aware of due to the insensitivity. If these minor injuries are left untreated, complications may result and lead to ulceration and possibly even amputation. Neuropathy can also cause deformities such as bunions, hammer toes, and Charcot feet. It is very important for diabetics to take the necessary precautions to prevent all foot related injuries. Due to the consequences of neuropathy, daily observation of the feet is critical.
When a diabetic patient takes the necessary preventative foot care measures, he or she reduces the risks of serious foot conditions.
Poor Circulation
Preventing foot complications is more critical for the diabetic patient because poor circulation impairs the healing process and can lead to ulcers, infection, and other serious foot conditions. Diabetes often leads to peripheral vascular disease that inhibits a person's blood circulation. With this condition, there is a narrowing of the arteries that frequently leads to significantly decreased circulation in the lower part of the legs and the feet. Poor circulation contributes to diabetic foot problems. By reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrition supplied to the skin and other tissues, poor circulation causes injuries to heal poorly. It can also lead to swelling and dryness of the foot.
Orthopedic shoes and accommodative foot orthotics play an important role in diabetic footwear. Orthotics top-covered with plastazote foam are usually recommended. Plastazote is a material designed to off load pressure "hot spots" by conforming to heat and high-pressure areas. Shoes suitable for diabetics are constructed with soft, seamless liners to reduce the risk of injury.
If you are diabetic you should be particularly alert to any problems you may be having with your feet. It is very important for diabetics with neuropathy to take necessary precautions to prevent injury and keep their feet healthy. If you have diabetes and are experiencing a foot problem, immediately consult your foot doctor.