Are you diabetic, and you experience numbness or a tingling sensation in your feet? If so, then you may be suffering from diabetic neuropathy. This condition is caused by nerve damage, which develops over time due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Find out more about diabetic neuropathy and check out some practical tips for choosing the proper footwear for those who suffer from this condition.
What is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is one of the complications of diabetes, which pertains to damages to the nerves that can be pretty painful. Among the body areas that are usually affected by this condition are the legs and feet. When nerve damage occurs in the feet, this can lead to a loss of sensation that may develop into serious foot problems. In addition, since there is numbness in your feet, some people can remain unaware of any existing injuries, cuts, blisters, or thickened calluses on this part of their body until the issue becomes worse.
Several symptoms are linked with diabetic neuropathy, including pain, burning sensation, numbness, and tingling in the feet. These symptoms may become less severe in most instances once your blood sugar is maintained within normal levels. Moreover, your doctor may prescribe certain medications that can help ease discomfort and pain.
However, if you fail to practice proper foot care and continue to wear inappropriate shoes, you may eventually develop foot ulcers. This condition can cause severe pain and may even lead to amputation once the open wound becomes infected.
What are The Best Shoes for Diabetic Neuropathy – What to Look For
Diabetic shoes are much broader and deeper than your average footwear because these are intended to reduce the risk of skin ulcers, particularly among people who suffer from foot disease. With additional width and depth, your feet can move freely without brushing against the interiors of the shoes. In addition, there are no seams on the insides, as these tend to rub against the feet and cause discomfort.
Shoes designed for people with diabetes have rocket soles, which minimize pressure on the foot while providing more excellent stability. Hence, there are fewer risks of stumbling or twisting your ankle as you walk. Firm heel counters also offer ample support and enhance your balance with every step you make.
Generally, the perfect shoes for neuropathy are prescribed by trained podiatrists. These specialists can recommend shoes to help lessen the impact, stress, and pressure on your feet.
5 Best Shoes for Diabetic Neuropathy – Reviews
The following are some brands of diabetic shoes that come with soft linings and provide excellent support. These products also have cushioned soles that lessen the impact on your feet to reduce stress and pressure. Learn more about these footwear brands and their key features.
1. SAS Men’s, Side Gore Loafer
If you need ample arch support and balance with every stride, then these shoes are for you. The footwear is also available in medium, wide, and extra-wide, so you can choose the correct width that suits you best. With excellent fit, durable and firm soles, and superior back support, these shoes are indeed the right choice for people who suffer from foot problems. What’s more, these shoes look pretty stylish, so you can look fashionable without sacrificing your comfort.
2. Propét Men’s Stability Walker Medicare – Code = A5500 Diabetic Shoe Sneaker
Do you experience numbness or a burning sensation in your feet? Make the right choice by purchasing the best type of shoes designed specifically for people with diabetes. This comfortable and lightweight footwear offers good traction, ensures your stability, and enhances ankle support with its padded collar design. This product also has a molded EVA midsole, which adds to the shock-absorbing property of the shoes. Available in a range of colors, sizes, and widths, you can find the right shoes that are made precisely to meet your needs.
3. P.W. Minor Men’s Leisure Time Dx2 Strap Shoe
These shoes are known for their spacious toe box, which keeps your feet comfortable. With excellent support and protection from impact, the footwear can significantly minimize stress or pressure on your feet. Even if you have to wear these shoes for hours, your feet can stay dry and cool because of the breathable material used in the footwear’s interior. Lastly, the soft and lightweight sole made of polyurethane material allows you to move with ease and comfort at all times.
4. P.W. Minor Women’s Central Park Lace-Up
Look sharp and feel good at the same time while you step in style with these shoes by P.W. Minor. The footwear is designed for people with diabetes, and the footwear comes with a spacious toe box, deep profile, and a well-supportive arch for your ultimate comfort. If you prefer to place your custom-made orthotics, you can remove the cushioned footbed in these shoes. These shoes reduce any impact or pressure on your feet with superb protection and support on the heel and the metatarsal region.
5. Hush Puppies Women’s Power Walker Sneaker
Bask in the excellent support that these Power Walker shoes by Hush Puppies offer. Made of top-quality leather, you can be sure that the footwear will last for several years. Furthermore, it comes with adjustable straps that enhance support and comfort without restricting your foot. You will also appreciate the moisture-wicking property and cushioning features of the shoe, so you can stay at ease, walk steadily, and experience total satisfaction each time you walk.
Bottom Line
Wearing the wrong shoes can mean painful arch, cramps, and blistered heels that eventually disappear after a few days. However, for people with diabetes, inappropriate footwear can cause serious issues such as infections, sores, and amputation, in severe cases. Fortunately, you can avoid all of these problems by consulting a podiatrist and following his recommendations for the correct type of shoes you should wear.
If you have diabetes, make it a point to choose the best footwear for your condition and apply proper foot care techniques prescribed by your doctor. By keeping in mind these practical tips, you can prevent severe problems while ensuring your health and well-being.
References:
http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/diabetes-neuropathy
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=79511
I would like to see what the shoes look like .