Seniors with diabetes can benefit greatly from diabetic-friendly footwear. It can make the difference in comfort, and in preventing dangerous and painful complications.
What is Diabetic Footwear?
Home Care Alhambra, CA: Diabetic Special Footwear
Diabetic foot wear is specially designed to address the problems and challenges specific to diabetics, including pain, numbness, poor circulation, poor wound healing and high risk of ulcers (sores). When sores don’t heal, it can be extremely debilitating and often lead to amputation.
Diabetic Shoes
Diabetic shoes are typically made from soft, protective, sometimes extra-stretchy material.
- It is important that there are no seams, stitching, tags or other items protruding that may cause irritation to the diabetic’s vulnerable skin. Not just annoying, skin irritation can quickly and easily lead to dangerous sores.
- It is important that footwear does not cause pressure to any part of the foot, again due to the risk of developing into ulcers. Regular shoes often cause pressure around the heel, toes, or around bunions or other areas of the foot.
- Extra deep shoes can accommodate orthotic inserts, which many diabetics find helpful. The extra depth is also helpful for reducing overall pressure.
- A deep toe box reduces risk of pressure on the diabetic’s vulnerable toes.
- Lightweight, cushioned soles promote stability and reduce impact on the foot.
- A closed toe is an important feature in diabetic footwear, because stubbing a toe can become a very big problem to a diabetic. Avoid sandals.
- An enclosed heel ensures that the shoe fits properly and won’t slip off, leading to falls or injury.
Diabetic Slippers
Diabetic slippers should provide all the same features as shoes. Sometimes slippers are made to be easily adjustable in size, to accommodate legs that change size due to swelling throughout the day.
Diabetic Socks
Diabetic socks are designed without seams to prevent risk of irritation. They feature a loose fit that won’t constrict circulation in the legs, even if swollen. They are usually made from cotton or other natural, moisture-wicking material, as sweaty feet can contribute to skin breakdown.
Home Care can Help with Diabetic Foot Care
It’s important for diabetic seniors to wear proper footwear at all times, even while indoors. Some find it more comfortable to switch to slippers indoors, which is fine, providing they are protective and meet their needs. Diabetics should not go barefoot, because it’s easy to stub a toe or step on something, resulting in an injury they may not even be aware of, due to the diabetic nerve damage.
Because diabetics can’t usually feel these injuries. Because they can progress to such a serious problem so quickly, it’s important that diabetics check their feet daily for signs of injury, redness, irritation, broken skin, blisters or other concerns.
However, many seniors have difficulty checking their own feet, due to limitations to their flexibility or vision. Many seniors choose to have home care aides check the skin on their feet each morning or night, perhaps as they assist with dressing, bathing, or other personal care. Diabetic seniors who don’t need help with personal care sometimes have home care come in to help with housework or other chores, and check their feet at that time.
Home care is designed for complete personalization, so talk to the agency about your senior’s unique needs and preferences to design their customized plan.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care in Alhambra, CA please contact the caring staff at Nu Care Inc. today at. 800-505-6890
Sources
https://www.orthofeet.com/blogs/news/the-difference-between-diabetic-shoes-and-regular-shoes