Kates Bros, custom shoes and comfort footwear for diabetic feet

Definition

Diabetes is a syndrome in which the basic defect is absence or shortage of the pancreatic hormone insulin. Diabetes runs in families, although there is no simple pattern of inheritance. It is estimated that there are over 14 million diabetics in the United States.

This deficiency disrupts the vascular system thus affecting the eyes, kidneys, legs, and other extremities such as their feet. Other factors besides heredity include diet, weight and smoking.

Symptoms

Many diabetic foot problems arise from a combination of circumstances, but two factors predominate: peripheral vascular disease and peripheral neuropathy. Poor circulation causes hypo-sensitivity (lack of feeling), possibly resulting in ulcers, gangrene and amputation.

With neuropathy, charcot joints, multiple fractures and deformities occur. With these possible complications, proper foot care and footwear take on a new importance to the diabetic.

Footwear

Clinical studies have shown that footwear and doctor prescribed orthotics play an important part in diabetic foot care. By limiting potential ulcer complications, the chance of amputation is diminished.

Drew Footwear is often prescribed for people with foot health problems. The shoes are designed with rounded toes and a wide shank area to accommodate the foot. Each shoe also incorporates a long medial counter for rear foot stability, extra support and balance. These are necessities in normal maintenance of foot health.

Doctors often prescribe orthotics to reduce and redistribute pressure and pressure points. These specially designed inserts work exceptionally well with Drew Footwear – shoes designed with removable cushion inserts, and extra inside capacity to accommodate custom orthotics.

Be sure to consult your physician for all questions about diabetes, your symptoms, and your concerns about foot health and maintenance. Your physician, your shoe store and Drew Footwear are a great combination for comfort and fit.

Maintenance

Do not smoke.
Inspect the feet daily for blisters, cuts and scratches. A mirror can aid in seeing the bottoms of the feet. Always check between the toes.
Wash feet daily. Dry them carefully, especially between toes.
Avoid temperature extremes. Test water with elbow before bathing.
If feet feel cold at night, wear socks. Do not apply hot water bottles or heating pads. Do not soak feet in hot water.
Do not walk on hot surfaces such as sandy beaches or on the cement around swimming pools.
Do not walk barefooted.
Do not use chemical agents for the removal of corns and calluses. Do not use corn plasters. Do not use strong antiseptic solutions on the feet.
Do not use adhesive tape on the feet.
Inspect the inside of shoes daily for foreign objects, nail points, torn linings, and rough areas.
If your vision is impaired, have a family member inspect feet daily, trim the nails and buff down calluses.
Do not soak feet.
For dry feet, use a very thin coat of lubricating oil such as baby oil. Apply the oil after bathing and drying the feet. Do not put oil or cream between the toes. Consult your physician for detailed instructions.
Wear properly fitting stockings. Do not wear mended stockings. Avoid stockings with seams. Change stockings daily.
Do not wear garters.
Shoes should be comfortable at time of purchase. Do not depend on shoes to stretch out. Shoes should be made of leather. Running shoes may be worn after checking with your physician.
Do not wear shoes without stockings.
Do not wear sandals with thongs between the toes.
In wintertime, take special precautions. Wear wool socks and protective foot gear, such as fleece-lined boots.
Cut nails straight across.
Do not cut corns and calluses: follow special instructions from your physician or podiatrist.
Avoid crossing your legs–this can cause pressure on the nerves and blood vessels.
See your physician regularly and be sure that your feet are examined at each visit.
Notify your physician or podiatrist at once should you develop a blister or sore on your foot.
Be sure to inform your podiatrist that you are a diabetic.

Reprinted from THE DIABETIC FOOT, 4th Edition, Levin, M.E., MD, and O’Neal, L.W., MD, The C.B. Moshy Company, St. Louis, Missouri.