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Most articles about shoes are writtenfor women, by women, and I do not totally understand why. Is itbecause women own more pairs of shoes and require a pair for everydress they wear and others for when they hike, or get out in thecountry? Men often wear shoes that do not fit properly and then theywonder why they have sore feet and areas on their feet that are hardbecause of calluses that aren't taken care of until sores develop.
Why is that people with diabetes refuseto take care of their feet until forced to because of a possibleamputation looming. Yes, I am being anything but understanding orsympathetic toward people who have diabetes and insist on abusingtheir feet. When they start complaining about feet that hurt, theyknow that I will not feel any sympathy and may be very difficult toget along with. Yes, I am aware of this being the wrong way to makefriends and influence people. Even in the diabetes clinic, I seepeople wearing shoes that are wrong – spike heels, flip-flops,sandals with poor heal support and other improper shoes.
I have finally met two doctors that arevery strong advocates for proper footwear. I could not believe itwhen I heard it, but one doctor will not treat patients for footproblems, men or women, wearing improper footwear. The type 2patient, a man wearing flip-flops had cut his foot at home afterdropping a glass container, which broke in many pieces. The doctortold him he would need to go the emergency room for treatment. TheER doctor did treat him, but said he would need to purchase a properset of house slippers or shoes to continue being treated if he hadproblems healing.
Both doctors are very set on peoplewith diabetes wearing proper footwear. The doctor that has his ownpractice does have a foot measuring device to show people the correctsize and posters showing the incorrect footwear for both men andwomen. If you don't want to be embarrassed when he insists onmeasuring your foot and tells you your shoes are too small, you willwant to avoid this doctor. His advice is correct though as manypeople insist on wearing shoes that are too small for them. A fewpeople do wear shoes that are too large. This is an invitation fordeveloping blisters and calluses.
This article from WebMD has someexcellent pointers and even if the United Kingdom is the setting, theinformation is still valid. The information given shows that only 25to 40 percent of people with diabetes wear shoes that are the correctsize. Because the information given is great, I will quote it. “When people with diabetes startexperiencing nerve damage or numbness, they often gravitate towardshoes that are too small because tight shoes make it easier for themto feel the snugness on their feet. They mistake that tightness forgood support. Instead, they need to wear shoes with comfortable --not tight – support.”
“Once youknow your correct size, here are nine guidelines for choosing shoeswhen you have diabetes:1. Look for shoes that don't come to a pointat the toe. Instead, choose shoes with a spacious "toe box"-- the forward tip of the shoe where the toes are. That way your toeswon't be crushed together. When your toes have space, it lessens thechance of corns, calluses, and blisters that can turn into ulcers andeventually infections. 2. If the shoe's insole is removable, takeit out and step on it. Your foot should fit comfortably on top of itwith no overlap. If your foot is bigger than the insole, then yourfoot will be crammed inside the shoe when you wear it. Choose adifferent shoe. 3. Avoid high-heeled shoes because they putunnatural pressure on the ball of your foot. If you have neuropathy,you may not realize that you are sore there or even getting calluses.High heels also can cause balance issues and ligament damage. 4. Steer clear of sandals, flip flops, orother open-toe shoes. Straps can put pressure on parts of your foot,leading to sores and blisters. In addition, open shoes can leave yoususceptible to injury like cuts. They also can allow gravel and smallstones to get inside the shoe. These can rub against your feet,causing sores and blisters. 5. Consider laced shoes instead of slip-ons.They often provide better support and a better fit. 6. Try on shoes at the end of the day.That's when your feet are more likely to be a little swollen. Ifshoes are comfortable when your feet are swollen, they should feelfine the rest of the time, too. 7. Don't buy shoes if they areuncomfortable, planning to break them in as you wear them. Shoesshould feel good when you first try them on. If you take off newshoes after wearing them a couple hours and find red, sensitivespots, don't wear them again. 8. Buy at least two pairs of supportive,comfortable shoes. Each pair will likely have different pressurepoints on your feet, so it will relieve the pressure when youalternate wearing different shoes. It will also allow your shoes todry and air out when you don't wear them every day. 9. In some cases, the cost of special shoesis covered by Medicare for people with diabetes. You must meetcertain criteria -- such as foot deformities, past foot ulcers, orcalluses that can lead to nerve damage -- and must have a doctor'sprescription. Talk to your podiatrist or primary care doctor for moreinformation.”
The above is areason everyone with diabetes should see a podiatrist at leastyearly, if not quarterly to have their feet examined and problemsfound early and corrected.
If you find shoesthat fit correctly, wear them at all times – except when sleeping. Do not go barefoot, even around you own house. This is where mostproblems start for people that have neuropathy or other footnumbness, as they don't feel anything when they step on somethingsharp and injure themselves. Then the area becomes infected andproblems start.
Now one finalword of advice, before you opt for the overly uncomfortable shoes onspecial occasions, talk with a podiatrist first. Let the podiatristtell you if these shoes can be worn for short periods of time likethat special party. If the podiatrist advises against this, dofollow the directions as it is your feet and you don't want to seethe doctor later to correct the damage you could have prevented.
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