Tips on Choosing Foot wear

When you have diabetes, the type of shoes you wear is very important.
The following are some important tips.

• Buy shoes in the evening because your feet swell a little during the day.
• Get your feet measured while standing, each time you buy shoes. Feet change in shape and size as neuropathy progresses. 
• Footwear should be well- fitting and comfortable when you buy it. 
• DON’T wear ill- fitting shoes. They usually cause ulcers on the pressure points.
• Shoes should fit both the length and the width of the foot. The toe-box should be sufficiently long, broad and deep so that toes are not cramped.
• DON’T expect tight shoes to stretch after use. 
• DON’T use footwear with toe grips, toe rings or thongs between the  toes.

• It is advisable to use sandals inside and outside the house. Use Velcro, adjustable laces, or straps to fasten footwear. 

• DON’T wear tight shoes, shoes with heels more than an inch, or shoes with pointed toes. They put too much pressure on parts of the foot and cause ulcers, corns and calluses. 

• Use therapeutic shoes and inserts for calluses. Moulded insoles are available to suit your foot.
• The inner lining of footwear should be made of soft material, free of in- seam to protect the foot from blisters.
• Leather breathes better than any other material. It absorbs the wetness of perspiration and allows moisture to evaporate. Wet skin could macerate, especially between the toes. Macerated skin spreads infection.
• DON’T wear footwear made of nylon or plastic.

• Wear clean, dry, cotton socks with shoes to prevent blisters. 
• Wear custom-made footwear prescribed by a podiatrist.
• Check shoes and socks for any foreign objects daily after you take them off, and check your feet too.
• Run a hand around the inside of footwear to detect rough, worn-out places. 
• DON’T wear worn-out shoes, replace them immediately. Change them every 6-8 months.

• Use walking shoes or sports shoes while exercising.     
• Change your shoes after 5 hours of wearing them during the day to change pressure points.
• Don’t wear new shoes continuously. Wear them for 1-2 hours each day for the first few days.

Finally… always remember to show your feet and your footwear to your doctor.