Diabetes can cause a variety of issues if left untreated. Symptoms such as weight loss, numb or tingling hands or feet, and even blurry vision can impact your daily life. Managing your blood sugar is a huge component when it comes to keeping your diabetes under control. If you don’t keep your blood sugar under control, it can damage the nerves and vessels that lead to your feet. This can increase your risk of foot issues. To reduce the risk of potential foot issues, you likely need diabetic shoes. Below you will find more information on diabetic shoes and how they can keep you healthy.

Foot Issues Associated with Diabetes

While issues with your feet may not be your first concern once you are diagnosed with diabetes, it can be a major issue and requires attention. Uncontrolled blood sugar can impact your circulation and the nerves in your feet. Because of this, you can lose feeling in your feet. The loss of feeling is referred to as neuropathy, and this condition can make it hard for you to know if your foot is injured. It can even make it so you can’t feel injuries like cuts. The risk of leaving a cut untreated is an infection. An infection is highly dangerous as it can spread throughout the rest of your body.

Do I Need Diabetic Shoes?

In addition to open sores, calluses, and thickened skin around your feet, you can experience a variety of other issues. Issues such as fungal infections, bunions, corns, and gangrene are all more likely to occur in people with diabetes. In addition to the heightened risk, the nerve damage caused by diabetes can also change the shape of your feet. Things like hammertoe can drastically impact your gate, which can cause other health issues. Oftentimes those with diabetes get diabetic shoes to help combat all of the risks associated with the disease.

Benefits of Diabetic Shoes

Before you go out and purchase diabetic shoes, talk with a podiatrist so you can get diabetic foot treatment. This will save you a lot of time and money in the long run as you won’t have to deal with the headache of going at it on your own. Below are the three most common options for diabetic shoes.

Custom-Made Shoes:

If you have neuropathy, nerve damage, or a current foot injury, you’ll likely need custom-made shoes. These are created from a mold of your foot and fit perfectly to your existing foot shape and size. Orthopedic shoes help provide major comfort to those with bunions, corns, or other foot issues. There are no concerns about how these will fit as they are created specifically to your unique foot.

In-Depth Shoes:

This type of shoe is between a quarter and half-inch deeper than regular shoes. The extra depth can help accommodate any change in your feet. Changes such as calluses, hammertoe, or corns require extra room. These shoes also leave space for inserts if you decide to add them in later on.

Healing Shoes:

If you have an issue with your feet, healing shoes can help during your recovery. They are often worn after foot surgery or if you have a current sore on your foot. They can be either open sandals or closed-toe shoes. However, it is important to note that you should not wear open-toed shoes if you have diabetes without your doctor’s permission. This is due to the risk of injury and the negative impacts of it.

Los Angeles Podiatrist

If you have diabetes and are concerned about your feet, contact the experts at Jamfeet. The team at Jamfeet believe in comprehensive patient care and are focused on getting you back to full health. Contact the best Los Angeles podiatrist today for an appointment!