5 Tips for Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects the body from head to toe, but diabetics should be aware that those toes — and the rest of their feet — are at special risk. If you are diabetic, you know that proper foot care, including washing, drying, and inspecting your feet is crucial. But you also need to be aware that what you wear on your feet also requires special consideration.
Diabetics should always wear both socks and shoes. Going barefoot, even at home, is inadvisable.
In addition, diabetics should follow these 6 tips when purchasing socks and shoes:
Socks
- Buy socks specifically made for diabetics.
While anyone who already has foot problems must wear diabetic socks, prevention is the best medicine. Diabetic socks will help you avoid problems with your feet.
Diabetic socks offer many advantages. They:
- have no seams on the inside, so they reduce possible irritation.
- have padding on the bottom of the sock, to provide a cushion to protect feet from injury.
- have non-binding tops, which help prevent reduced circulation to the feet.
- Are made from moisture-wicking material, because keeping feet dry helps to prevent hot spots and infection.
- Throw out socks as soon as they have a hole in them. Do not try to mend them; the extra bulk can irritate the foot and create a sore. Socks are not an item a diabetic can afford to be thrifty on.
Shoes
- All feet, especially diabetic feet, need to breathe! Don’t wear shoes made from synthetic materials such as vinyl or plastic.
- Buy shoes specifically made for diabetics.
Diabetic shoes, like diabetic socks, offer many advantages. They have:
- an increased depth, especially in the toe box, in order to prevent abrasion.
- a thick, wide, shock-absorbing sole, in order to relieve pressure on the bottom of the foot.
- no inner seams, in order to prevent blisters.
- Get help from Medicare, if you are eligible. If you have diabetes and at least one risk factor that involves your feet, such as a previous foot ulcer or poor circulation, Medicare will help you take special care of your feet. Part B covers one pair of diabetic shoes, including custom-molded shoes, as well as two or three pairs of orthotic inserts each year. Your doctor must certify that you qualify. Medicare is not the only insurer to offer this; some private insurance plans also offer this benefit.
If you have diabetes, be sure to protect your feet with the proper socks and shoes, so you can stand on your own two feet for many healthy years to come!
At Laurel Bay Health and Rehabilitation Center, in Keansburg, NJ, our residents receive the highest quality rehabilitative and skilled nursing care in a homelike and compassionate environment conducive to healing.
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