How Diabetic Shoes and Socks Can Prevent Foot Ulcers

If you have diabetes, you already know that this condition can cause many health problems including heart disease, kidney disease, and vision problems. It can also lead to foot neuropathy (decreased sensation in your feet) and foot ulcers.

When foot ulcers aren’t caught early and treated sufficiently, they can result in amputation of the toes and other parts of the foot.

That’s why it’s vitally important to see a podiatrist at least once a year for a CDFE or Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam. Your podiatrist will run a series of tests to assess blood flow to your feet, reduced sensation or neuropathy, and will exam your feet for the start of an ulcer.

Here at the Foot and Ankle Center of Lake City in Seattle, WA we take all the necessary steps to ensure our patients with diabetes keep their feet healthy.

Diabetic Shoes and How They Prevent Foot Ulcers

One of the most important ways we help our diabetic patients, is by offering diabetic shoes through Medicare. If you have diabetes and qualify, you’ll be able to receive a pair of shoes and diabetic inserts annually. Medicare provides this program to patients with diabetes who qualify because they know diabetic shoes help tremendously in reducing health care costs.

Many people with diabetes have neuropathy or reduced sensation in their feet. In addition, diabetic patients often have reduced circulation and ability to heal. Because of these problems anything that puts pressure on the foot can potentially cause an ulcer. For example, patients with bunions or hammertoes will experience pressure and rubbing against the inside of their shoes. Calluses and corns can also buildup but escape notice due to reduced sensation.

Diabetic shoes and inserts have additional padding and room to accommodate bunions and hammertoes. This helps reduce friction and the chance of developing corns and calluses and an ulcer.

Of course, even a diabetic shoe won’t stop all foot ulcers. It’s also important to follow these foot care guideline daily.

Dr. Comfort Shoe Testimonial from Diabetic Patient at Our Office in North Seattle

The Role of Diabetic Socks in Reducing Your Foot Complications

Diabetic socks are also critical to preventing foot ulcers. Along with diabetic shoes they are a powerful preventive tool for my diabetic patients. Our office recommends Dr. Comfort Diabetic Socks. Here’s the benefit of wearing diabetic socks:

• No seams and synthetic fibers – this helps reduce potential friction
• Extra padding –extra padding to relieve pressure
• Made of moisture wicking, breathable, and heat regulating materials– keeping your feet dry is essential to prevent athlete’s foot or a fungal nail infection.
• Dye that doesn’t bleed out of the fabric – dye that bleeds into the feet can cause infections.

The Role of Moisturizers in Diabetic Foot Care

Another critical piece of diabetic foot care is the use of moisturizers. I can’t emphasize this enough. People with diabetes have less moisture in their feet than those who don’t. Dry feet can crack and become infected and develop an ulcer. To reduce the chance of that occurring using a moisturizer daily can help. Here are my recommendations:

Mild skin dryness - Care Lotion by Amerigel. Gel Socks*

Moderate skin dryness – Gormel Cream, Gel Socks*

Severe dryness and cracking – Heel Liniment by Adessa (only available in office), Gel Socks*

*Gel Socks – gel socks are extremely effective in reducing dryness and cracking rapidly as part of an overall moisturing program.

Dryness, eczema, and dermatitis – Tolyclen Foot Soaks (only available in office)

Need Care for Your Diabetic Feet in Seattle, Washington? Request an Appointment Now

Don't let your diabetic feet develop foot ulcers. Complete the contact form on this page or call our office, the Foot and Ankle Center of Lake City, at 206-368-7000 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rion Berg.

Most new patients are seen within 1-2 week's time. During your initial visit, Dr. Berg will spend up to 30 minutes getting to know you, your podiatry complaints, and your goals so that he can recommend the treatment best meets your needs. Don’t wait—contact us today.

North Seattle Foot & Ankle Specialist Dr. Rion Berg offers compassionate podiatry care for all foot and ankle problems to those living in Seattle Washington and the surrounding areas. Call us today at 206-368-7000 for an immediate appointment or request an appointment online.