Many people with diabetes may wonder whether they should make the switch to diabetic shoes. Diabetes requires many changes in a person’s life and one more change may seem too much to handle. 

However, it’s important to keep in mind the effect that diabetes can have on a person’s feet. Proper footwear is especially important for those with diabetes. 

Diabetic patients are at a much higher risk for health complications such as open sores, calluses, hammertoe, and in extreme cases, amputation. This makes choosing the proper footwear of utmost importance.

What are Diabetic Shoes?

Diabetic shoes are shoes that are designed in a way to help avoid possible foot conditions that are prone to those with diabetes. They will often have a very protective interior and avoid protrusions that may rub against and irritate the foot. 

Diabetes can often result in nerve damage that can cause your toes to go numb. You may not feel them developing blisters or open sores. Diabetic shoes will provide your feet with plenty of room to avoid any possible rubbing or hot spots. 

What Shoes Should I Avoid?

If you have diabetes, you should avoid certain types of shoes that may aggravate your feet.  Shoes with pointed toes may cause inflammation and even restrict circulation in your toes. 

If you regularly wear shoes without arch support, this may lead to the breakdown of tissue in your feet. High heels should generally be avoided, but if they are worn its best to wear short heels that feature a round toe. 

Advantages of Diabetic Shoes

Not only do diabetic shoes assist in providing comfort and pain relief, but they also help in many other ways. 

These shoes can help maintain circulation in your feet as well as improve your motion control. They also help to prevent calluses that could cause walking and standing to become uncomfortable over time.

What to Look for in Shoes for Diabetes 

When shopping for shoes for diabetes, make sure to choose those that are lightweight and allow your feet to breathe properly. Choose flexible materials such as leather or canvas. To avoid putting pressure on the bottom of the foot, be sure that the shoe has shock-absorbing qualities. 

Often, people with diabetes will experience swelling in their feet. To accommodate these changes in size, pick shoes with laces that are easy to tighten and loosen as needed. 

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that the shoes you choose should match the shape and form of your foot. If your foot is sliding around in the shoe, or experiences friction, this can cause calluses and blisters. 

The development of blisters and calluses can be very dangerous for someone with diabetes and should be prevented. 

Diabetic Shoes in Fresno 

If you’ve been considering purchasing shoes for diabetes in Fresno, our doctors at Canyon Oaks Podiatry are more than happy to help you in your search. We’ll be able to help you determine what your needs are and choose the right kind of shoes for you.