Nerve damage and artery disease caused by diabetes, a condition that affects the level of glucose in the blood, impacts the feet, according to the American Diabetes Association. Patients with diabetes may have decreased sensation in their feet, which affects their ability to feel pain or sense temperature. The disease also compromises circulation, so foot wounds are also slow to heal, which may result in dangerous infections. Diabetic patients must pay special attention to their feet, and special foot products exist that can help ward off complications.
Shoes
Diabetic patients can prevent foot complications by choosing proper footwear. The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetic patients wear shoes that are large enough to prevent the inside of the shoe from rubbing against the feet and toes. Medicare, a federal health care program, offers coverage for specialty shoes for diabetic patients under the Therapeutic Shoe Bill. According to one seller of therapeutic shoes for patients with diabetes, these footwear options may provide extra-depth designs to afford a loose fit and more toe movement as well as mask orthopedic features to appear more like regular shoes.
Socks
A patient's choice of socks can also help reduce the risk of foot problems in diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends that patients opt for socks without seams or socks with flat or soft seams to avoid irritation on the feet. The Med Supply Guide urges diabetic patients to avoid socks with bands that may constrict the leg or socks with rough materials on the bottom of the foot. Diabetic patients may purchase specialty socks featuring nonbinding construction to avoid the risk of constriction in the legs and ankles.
Orthotics
Some orthotic devices, such as shoe inserts, are covered for diabetic patients under the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill. According to OrthoFeet, orthotic inserts come in prefabricated varieties but may also include custom-made options. Inserts provide extra support and protection to the foot. Custom-made orthotics take foot problems like missing toes into account and may offer a feature that cradles the heel to reduce pressure on the heel bone.
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