Why do you need special footwear if you have diabetes? (Therapeutic Footwear)

If you are a diabetic, you probably know that taking care of your feet is a top priority. We often think that controlling blood sugar levels is the only thing that is important. But diabetes can cause serious problems in our body, especially the nerves and blood vessels in our feet. If not taken care of properly, even a small scrape can turn into a big wound, possibly leading to amputation. That is why today we are talking about this special topic, namely, therapeutic footwear designed specifically for diabetics.

Who really needs special shoes like this?

These aren't just any pair of shoes. They're medically designed to protect your feet, prevent injuries, and stop existing problems from getting worse. Usually, your doctor who treats your diabetes will decide whether you need something like this. If you have one or more of the following, you may benefit greatly from these special shoes.

Imagine that your doctor examines you and says: "You have diabetes. And you have one or more of the following conditions in one or both of your legs."

If this is the case, your doctor may recommend that you wear special shoes and/or inserts .

What are these special types of shoes?

These are not like the shoes you buy at a regular shoe store, they are special. There are several main types.

1. Extra-depth shoes

These shoes have more space inside than regular shoes. This means that the foot does not get cramped. Also, you can put special inserts called insoles that are specially designed to fit the shape of the foot. What this insert does is to distribute the pressure on the sole of the foot evenly throughout the entire foot, rather than focusing it on one spot. This greatly reduces the risk of injuries.

2. Custom-molded shoes

Some people may have severe foot deformities. Even the 'extra-depth' shoes mentioned above may not fit these feet properly. That's when your foot is measured and these shoes are made to fit it . These are like tailoring a suit, they are made specifically for your foot. These also come with special inserts.

How do I get these shoes and who makes them?

This is also a very important issue. This is not something you can just go to a store and buy. There is a specific process for this.

1. Medical recommendation: First, the doctor who treats your diabetes (certifying physician) should examine your feet and confirm that you need special shoes like this.

2. Specialist Recommendation: Next, a podiatrist or other qualified doctor should prescribe the type of shoe you need and its measurements.

3. Supply and Fitting: Finally, according to this recommendation, a qualified professional (for example, a `Pedorthist`, `Orthotist`) will make or supply the shoe you need. He/she will also make sure it fits your foot properly, is not tight or constricting anywhere, and make any necessary adjustments.

Usually, there are two people who can be the doctor who treats your diabetes and the specialist who recommends these shoes.

Do you also need to think about the cost of this?

Yes, these are indeed more expensive than regular shoes. This is because they are considered a specialized medical device. It is difficult to say for sure whether these are provided free of charge by the government in Sri Lanka, but some private insurance policies may provide some coverage for these. You can check with your insurance company about this.

But think about it this way: The cost of this pair of shoes is a small amount compared to the cost of treating a diabetic foot ulcer, hospitalization, and surgery. This is not an expense, but an investment in your future health. It is best to talk openly about this with your doctor and decide what solution is best for you.