The answer is yes. Diabetic shoes have a special shape and design, and they are made specifically for people with diabetes – which tends to cause issues with circulation and sensation, particularly in the feet.

Diabetic foot can cause symptoms in the foot including numbness, slow-healing wounds, cuts, or sores, due to diabetic neuropathy. These special shoes for people with diabetes are carefully constructed to avoid causing cuts, scrapes, wounds, and irritation to the skin.

If you have diabetes, you should not wear regular shoes. Diabetic shoes can help you preserve your limbs because nonhealing wounds can cause a severe infection that warrants having an amputation.

Let’s talk about the differences between diabetic shoes and regular shoes, the main advantages of wearing diabetic shoes, and where you can go in Cincinnati to have these custom-made shoes designed to keep you comfortable and healthy.

Features of Diabetic Shoes

Diabetic shoes have a unique construction:

• A protective interior constructed with soft and cushy materials, and stitching that does not protrude and irritate the skin
• Design that does not put pressure on the forefoot and therefore does not irritate the toes, sides of the foot, and back of the heel
• Slightly stretchy material so the shoe conforms to the contours of the foot and avoids pressure points
• A deep toe box to avoid putting pressure on the toes and to allow for their movement
• Extra-depth to promote blood flow and healing
• Lightweight and supportive cushioning in the soles for easy mobility and to help prevent a forceful impact on the foot

Regular shoes, including sneakers that are designed for comfortable walking and running, usually do not meet the strict needs of diabetic patients.

Advantages of Diabetic Shoes

Diabetic shoes provide orthopedic and podiatric advantages, including:

• Improved comfort, stability, and motion control of the foot
• Easing of diabetic foot pain, swelling, and numbness
• Elimination of pressure points that can lead to skin breakage, causing infections, sores, and skin ulcers
• Prevention of bunions, calluses, hammertoes, and other foot problems from developing due to its pressure-free fit

If you have a diabetic foot, the smallest scrape can easily turn into a big problem. Fortunately, you can take steps to promote foot health.

Work with your foot and ankle doctor to best maintain foot health, and to choose the best diabetic shoes for you. Diabetic shoes are often covered by Medicare and other insurance programs.

Customized Diabetic Shoes in Cincinnati, OH

Diabetic shoes should fit you perfectly to reap the benefits. At Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care, our highly experienced podiatrists can devise customized footwear for your optimum support, so you can enjoy an active lifestyle while supporting your feet.

We specialize in treating patients who have diabetic feet, and we focus on prevention as much as possible. Our foot and ankle doctors will make sure you receive top-notch diabetic foot care and the latest treatment available, including prescription diabetic shoes and custom orthotics.

To schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, call our podiatry clinic nearest you or use our convenient online request form. We look forward to helping you get back in step!