Diabetic shoe

Diabetic shoes, sometimes referred to as extra depth or therapeutic shoes, are specially designed shoes, or shoe inserts, intended to reduce the risk of skin breakdown in diabetics with co-existing foot disease.

People with diabetic neuropathy in their feet may have a false sense of security as to how much at risk their feet actually are.^[1] An ulcer under the foot can develop in a couple of hours. The primary goal of therapeutic footwear is to prevent complications, which can include strain, ulcers, calluses, or even amputations for patients with diabetes and poor circulation.^[2] In addition to meeting strict guidelines, diabetic shoes must be prescribed by a physician and fit by a qualified individual, such as a certified pedorthist. The shoes must also be equipped with a removable orthotic. Foot orthotics are devices such as shoe inserts, arch supports, or shoe fillers such as lifts, wedges and heels. The diabetic shoes and custom-molded inserts work together as a preventative system to help diabetics avoid foot injuries and improve mobility.

References

1. ^ Foot Complications, from the American Diabetes Association; first published no later than November 4, 2009 (as per archive.org); retrieved September 6, 2011.
2. ^ Diabetic Foot Care at ePodiatry; published 2003; retrieved September 6 2011.