| Why
buy a diabetic shoe? |
| Proper
foot care is an important part of diabetes management. In fact,
diabetics are at an extremely increased risk of serious foot disorders.
Foot problems are the most common diabetes complication leading to
hospitalizations. Ulcers or sores on the feet can be caused by improper
shoe gear that can result in infection and possible amputations. {TOP} |
| |
| Can
a diabetic shoe help? |
| Studies
show that the well fitted diabetic shoes with moldable insoles reduce
the development of these ulcers and sores. By starting preventative
measures early, it is possible to avoid later foot complications and
will enable you to maintain an independent active lifestyle. This is why
Diabetic Shoes and Insoles are an excellent first step towards better
foot health. {TOP} |
| |
| Who
should wear Diabetic prescription shoes? |
| The
condition of your feet is addressed by the physician who is familiar
with the patient. Diabetic Shoes are for the patient at risk for foot
complications. Especially if the patient already has any type of mild
foot deformity, ulcer or amputation. Nothing can replace the experience
in design of a diabetic shoe.
{TOP} |
| |
| What
is a comfortable prescription shoe? |
| The
prescription shoes should have enough room to accommodate the foot. It
should also be roomy enough for any deformities present. Shoe should be
designed to have support on the plantar (sole) surface to cushion high
pressure areas. Poorly fitted footwear is one of the commonest causes of
ulceration. All Diabetic Shoes MUST meet all of these specifications set
by Medicare. {TOP} |
| |
| How
often should I wear my Diabetic shoes? |
|
Patients at risk
must use correct footwear at all times. Inappropriate footwear is a
common cause of skin ulcers. Diabetic shoes can be prescribed by a foot
care specialist or a primary care physician.
The correct shoe
should be worn for different activities. If the correct shoe is not
available for the activity, the diabetic should not participate in that
activity. Diabetic shoes are great for comfort and style, as well as the
therapeutic value. Most activities can be enjoyed with the Diabetic shoe. {TOP}
|
| |
| So,
I should wear my shoes ALL the time? |
| Shoes
MUST be worn all of the time. Anytime there is weight on the feet,
indoors or out, a proper fitted shoe should be worn. A shoe should be
worn, even for trips to the bathroom at night. The diabetic patient
should sit in a chair in the shower, rather than stand without shoes.
Swim shoes are recommended for pool activities. Activities, such as
running, tennis, baseball, and other sports that produce high stress on
the feet should be avoided entirely. Bicycle is a good over all exercise
that does not require foot stress. The diabetic patient should check
his/her feet at least twice a day for ulcerations.
{TOP} |
| |
| Can
my primary care physician write the prescription? |
| The
footwear for the diabetic patient is prescribed by a doctor. Most
patients who are at risk for complications are referred to a foot care
professional for routine nail and callus care. Footwear issues are
typically addressed by the professional who performs these services.
Many times however, the primary care clinician becomes involved in the
footwear prescription and/or assessment. The primary care physician is
not always "up to speed" as to the principles of proper
diabetic footwear. We will be glad to talk to your doctor to explain the
benefits of Diabetic Shoes.
{TOP} |
| |
| My
feet swell. Will Diabetic Shoes help? |
| Diabetic
feet tend to swell at different times of the day. Diabetic Shoes have a
lace or Velcro closure to allow this adjustment and leave enough room
for the swelling. Compression Socks can be worn also, for extra support
for high volume swelling.
{TOP} |
| |
| What
about insoles for diabetic feet? |
| Leather
shoes without these insoles can be as bad as walking barefooted. The
insoles must have enough room for the toes. The insole should be changed
every 4-6 months, or when it appears worn-out. This should be fitted by
a professional. Diabetic Insoles are prescription insoles and are
recommended with the Diabetic Shoe. The Diabetic Insole is also covered
by Medicare and should be ordered along with your shoes. {TOP} |
| |
| What
is the insole made of and why? |
| Diabetic
Insoles are typically made of ALIPLAST or PPT/Plastizote. PROCELL has a
number of advantages over ALIPLAST or PPT/Plastizote and other more open
materials. The closer structure of PROCELL reduces impression and keeps
the orthosis from bottoming out. The material is less abrasive to the
surface skin. The protection and cushioning of the foot reduces friction
and evenly distributes weight throughout the orthosis. The contoured
design ensures a good fit inside your diabetic shoes. This insole
should be changed 2-3 times a year {TOP} |
| |
| Is
surgery the answer? |
| Patients
who will not use proper footwear, many times will have surgery to try to
"CURE" the problem. Surgery does NOT cure the problem. Surgery
can "repair" clawed toes, remove exostoses (bony growth caused
by trauma) on toes, correct hallux valgus (bending of big toe inward),
reconstruct Charcot feet, and lengthen the Achilles tendon. Surgery
offers relief to patients with good circulation and neuropath ulceration
that will not stay healed because the patient refuses to wear a proper
fit shoe. But some of the problems being repaired by surgery can
reoccur, so proper shoes are imperative. The comfort of a diabetic shoe
will be recognized fast and make it enjoyable to walk again.
{TOP} |
| |
| Does
Medicare pay for Diabetic shoes? |
| A
diabetic who is involved in a comprehensive diabetic management regimen,
is eligible for re-imbursement of some of the footwear costs. The
diabetic patient can order one pair of diabetic shoes from ACTIVE
Medical Supplies, Inc and 3 pair of
inserts per year, and expect to be reimbursed by Medicare, 80% of the
cost of the shoes and inserts. Many insurance companies will also
reimburse in line with Medicare.
{TOP} |