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| Diabetic Shoes and Seamfree Socks??? Why do diabetics need to be careful with their feet? We are asked this question on a daily basis.
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Diabetic foot conditions develop from a combination of causes including poor circulation and neuropathy. Diabetic Neuropathy can cause insensitivity or a loss of ability to feel pain, heat, and cold. Diabetics suffering from neuropathy can develop minor cuts, scrapes, blisters, or pressure sores that they may not be aware of due to the insensitivity. If these minor injuries are left untreated, complications may result and lead to ulceration and possibly even amputation. Neuropathy can also cause deformities such as Bunions, Hammer Toes, and Charcot Feet.
It is very important for diabetics to take the necessary precautions to prevent all foot related injuries. Due to the consequences of neuropathy, daily observation of the feet is critical. When a diabetic patient takes the necessary preventative footcare measures, he or she reduces the risks of serious foot conditions.
Poor Circulation
Diabetes often leads to peripheral vascular disease that inhibits a person's blood circulation. With this condition, there is a narrowing of the arteries that frequently leads to significantly decreased circulation in the lower part of the legs and the feet. Poor circulation contributes to diabetic foot problems by reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrition supplied to the skin and other tissue, causing injuries to heal poorly. Poor circulation can also lead to swelling and dryness of the foot. Preventing foot complications is more critical for the diabetic patient because poor circulation impairs the healing process and can lead to ulcers, infection, and other serious foot conditions.
Treatment and Prevention
Footwear and socks play an important role in diabetic footcare. Diabetic footwear and socks should provide the following protective benefits:
* wide toe box (high and wide space in the toe area)
* Removable insoles for fitting flexibility and the option to insert orthotics if necessary.
* Rocker Soles designed to reduce pressure in the areas of the foot most susceptible to pain, most notably the ball-of-the-foot.
* Firm Heel Counters for support and stability.
* Seamfree or flat seams that will not cause pressure points.
The Good Foot Network is a network of proactive Podiatrists and Physiotherapists who push out the boundaries to help bring footcare solutions to their clients. Network members carry a selection of footwear and socks specially selected for their therapeutic and preventative features for diabetes sufferers. All members are trained in diabetic footcare and can provide expert advice, referrals and products to clients.
Good Foot Network member TippToes Ltd is a Corporate Member of the Diabetes Federation of Ireland and will be offering a complimentary foot scan at all Diabetes Ireland Public Meetings this year.
For further details and information of the ranges of products carried please contact Nicola Wade of TippToes Ltd at 0504-42513, www.tipptoes.com or www.goodfootnetwork.com.
Press release ends.
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