Why Should Diabetics Wear Specialized Footwear?

A minor scar may not seem like much, but for people living with diabetes, it can mark the beginning of a much bigger problem. Diabetic feet go through a lot. Poor blood flow, nerve damage, and delayed healing make them more sensitive than usual. Even unnoticeable things like tight footwear or constant rubbing can lead to severe wounds or infections. That’s why diabetic foot care isn’t just critical, it’s necessary. Choosing the proper footwear is one of the simplest, yet most powerful steps toward keeping diabetic feet safe and healthy daily. This article explores several aspects of diabetes and provides a good introduction to diabetic foot problems.

How does Diabetes Impact Feet?

Diabetes is a serious illness that disturbs the blood sugar level and how the body processes it. People with diabetes have a high risk of severe foot problems due to the link between the two issues. Blood flow is lower than usual in people with diabetes, which gives rise to numbness in the feet. Due to this senselessness, minor injuries and cuts are not noticeable until appropriately examined. Here are some common impacts of diabetes on the affected individuals’ feet;

• Frequent infections in the feet

• Foot ulcers usually occur under the big toe

• Diabetic neuropathy

• Ultimately food deformities

Importance of Specialized Diabetic Footwear

Diabetic footwear was introduced to counter the serious injuries or wounds caused by diabetes to the feet. The diabetic feet require extra care and protection from wounds, which is impossible with ordinary footwear.

Instead of relieving foot pain, they can worsen the condition due to their flat, uncomfortable soles, which do not have arch support to accommodate the foot's size or shape. Also, the material may be rigid, or the footwear may be too tight, which may pose severe foot discomfort.

That is where podiatrist-recommended sandals become a great choice for diabetes and are meant to provide comfort while walking and relieve pain due to complicated diabetic foot conditions.

Things to Look for in Diabetic Footwear

Let's examine the significant things to consider when buying diabetic footwear.

True to Size Fitting

First, proper footwear fitting is essential to prevent issues like blisters and calluses. Always look for shoes that are not too big or too small. Shoes that are very tight or don't fit properly can cause friction, especially on the thumb, which is not okay for diabetic patients. Continuous friction increases the risk of infection in diabetic feet. So, if you look for a good diabetic shoe, ensure it has room to accommodate foot swelling.

Lightweight

footwear that are not too heavy should be your go-to. They don't cause stress on the feet, so diabetic people should look for lightweight shoes. Opting for lightweight footwear makes you feel more comfortable, especially if you have diabetic neuropathy. Heavy shoes can cause fatigue and poor blood circulation in the feet. Always look for lightweight orthopedic slippers for people with diabetes.

Breathable Material

You need to make sure that the footwear are made of breathable materials. That is how they would regulate the temperature and moisture of your feet. Light and breathable materials would also reduce the infection in diabetic feet. It helps keep your skin healthy, which is essential for people suffering from diabetic foot complications. You should look for mesh or moisture-wicking linings. They would keep your feet dry and cool. 

Spacious

As we told you earlier, diabetic footwear should have enough room so your feet don't suffocate. That is why extra depth is provided for diabetic patients, which offers good space without sacrificing support. Your pressure points, such as your thumb and index finger, should remain relaxed. Footwear that possess good space are ideal for people who have foot ulcers due to diabetes.

Supportive Soles

Soles should be very supportive especially if you are looking for the best diabetic footwear. Supportive soles do not only provide stability but also distribute the pressure evenly. It helps in avoiding diabetic foot issues. Those soles who have cushion in them would also relieve stress on sensitive areas and support daily mobility. Which is why a firm but flexible sole in diabetic foot care products would help to reduce the fitness on joints. So, you must look for soles that are designed specifically for diabetic neuropathy in order to avoid further nerve damage.

Adjustable Straps

When you got adjustable straps in diabetic sandals, you would have a customized fit. Your feet would adapt to the size easily. Adjustable straps also assist in reducing the movement and friction that can cause irritation or sores in feet. This feature is particularly beneficial for managing numbness and tingling in diabetic feet. Adjustable closures are commonly found in orthopedic slippers for diabetics.

Best Sandals for Diabetic Neuropathy

Specialized diabetic footwear should be an integral part of your daily routine if you are having symptoms of foot problems. Here is a list of different types of APMA approved sandals along with the features of diabetic sandals given to let you choose the most suitable option;

Florence Genuine Leather Platform Slide Sandal

You can not neglect the importance of this excellent Florence Genuine Leather Wedge Platform Slide Sandal for specialized diabetic sandals. This premium pair of sandals offers the following features to prevent your feet from complications during diabetes;

• Cork footbed and deep heel cup are adjustable to the curves of your feet.

• Soft leather with antimicrobial features maintains hygiene. 

• Durable EVA sole allows a stable and comfortable walk while relieving pain.

• A metallic buckle on top to adjust the strap according to foot size

• Lightweight option that you can wear comfortably all day long. 
  
  

Renee Adjustable Strappy Comfortable Arch Support Sandal

Here comes another super comfortable footwear, the Aerothotic-Renee Adjustable Strappy Comfortable Arch Support Sandal, specially designed to keep diabetic patients as comfortable as possible. Look at the quick features of this pair;

• The adjustable Velcro strap facilitates a stable grip according to your foot shape.

• Medium heel cup with foam-lining footbed for added comfort.

• Arch support can adjust feet with medium arches.

• Polyurethane gel in the sole protects feet from shocks.

• Super lightweight and suitable for long spans.

Benefits of Using Specialized Footwear in Diabetes

Following is the list of some of the most common benefits, diabetic specialized footwear offer;

Lower Risk of Foot Ulcers

Foot ulcers are a common problem in people with diabetes. The primary cause is friction between the feet and the ground while walking. Pressure relief sandals can cure the issue.

Increased Comfort

Footwear specially designed for people with diabetes usually causes constant foot pain due to poor circulation. To cope with this issue, podiatrists recommend smartly built footwear with cushioned insoles for diabetic relief. Such sandals adjust their cushioning surface according to the foot's contours, making walking convenient. 

Stabilizes Your Feet

People with diabetes have to bear a poor balance due to continuous foot problems including ulcers and swollen feet. By a regular use of diabetic footwear, you can walk with stability and confidence that the conventional footwear may lack. 

More Room to Adjust Feet

Footwear with stiff materials and congested design your diabetic feet which are already numb, even more painful. Considerable space is what you need the most in your sandals if you are a diabetic patient. Feet with too tight built can suffocate your feet and worsen your wounds.

Protection

Specialized diabetic sandals are super brilliant when it comes to cuts and blisters. These are common injuries when you have a diabetic foot, and they could accelerate quickly if you don't opt for a good choice of footwear. Minimizing friction and external pressure lowers the infection risk in diabetic feet. This protection is essential for maintaining long-term foot health and preventing complications like ulcers or open wounds.

Better for Healing Diabetic Feet

Footwear designed for people with diabetes often features cushioned insoles and pressure relief technology that support healing by reducing stress on sensitive areas. These features promote blood flow and reduce inflammation, which are key factors in treating foot ulcers in people with diabetes and managing diabetic neuropathy. Proper footwear is a proactive step in overall diabetic foot care and recovery.

What else can you do to Treat Diabetic Foot Problems?

Here are some recommendations for diabetic patients about footwear and, in general, to protect their foot health;

Examine Feet Regularly

Frequent foot problems may cause numbness and tingling in diabetic feet, which is why diabetic foot care matters. Regularly check your feet for bruises, cuts, or swelling. Overlooking any signs of infection in diabetic feet may quickly worsen the wound. 

Don’t Walk Barefoot

Feet of people with diabetes are susceptible to injury. Even minor cuts or bruises may cause serious diabetes foot complications. Do not walk barefoot on any surface to avoid unexpected cuts and injuries. Instead, carry nice, comfy footwear every time. 

Avoid Smoking

If you are a diabetic patient, you should immediately quit smoking if doing so previously to avoid diabetic foot complications. You are already having poor foot circulation in diabetes, and inhaling smoke will worsen the situation even more, increasing the infection risk in diabetic feet. 

Consult an Endocrinologist for Wounds or Infections

If you notice any bruises or wounds, or if anything happens accidentally to your feet, immediately consult a professional endocrinologist. A professional can identify and treat the problem at hand, which, if ignored, can rapidly progress, leading to foot ulcers. Sometimes, the condition becomes so bad that the affected part has to be removed, so preventive measures must be taken on time. 

Maintain Proper Foot Hygiene

Regularly wash your feet, preferably with warm water and salt. Dry them and apply a hydrating moisturizer. Do not forget to trim toenails, but be careful, as minor negligence may result in cuts.

The Bottom line

Feet are one of the most sensitive body parts in people with diabetes. They cause consistent uneasiness in the affected people, who must be treated with the right foot care products. Footwear designed for people with diabetes not only comforts their painful feet but also reduces swelling. Instead, it is crucial to treat bad foot conditions and frequent infections that are common in diabetes. You should make it a part of your routine if you are suffering with a similar problem to reverse the consequences the diabetic condition may leave your foot in.